Plant nutrition and nutrient deficiencies
plus fertilisers, tonics and stimulants
This subject is, of course, covered extensively on many gardening and farming sites. Here, the emphasis will be on information pertaining to Qld or to subtropical and tropical plants.
This page is mostly a collection of links about plant nutrition in general. You may find more about nutrition or nutrient deficiency symptoms of particular plant species if you go to the page on this site devoted to that group. See Plants for a list
Please note:
* Fertiliser ratios you see on international websites (notably U.S. sites) may be calculated differently from the way they are in Australia. Therefore, NPK ratios given in fertiliser recommendations may not correspond directly with those seen on local fertiliser packets.
* Like other chemicals, fertiliser use may be subject to different regulations in different regions, so check with local authorities if in doubt. And be sure to follow directions on the label!
* Additives that are mainly used to adjust soil structure, pH or microbial activity are covered here: Soils
On other pages:
More Links
The following are for general information. Commercial products, regulations, plants and soil types, etc. vary from place to place (see notes above).
You could find more about the nutrition of particular plants if you go to the page devoted to that group. Look here: Plants.
General
Citrus nutrition (descriptions of fertilisers) State of New South Wales, Department of Primary Industries
Nutrient News Good overview of the important plant nutrients. University of Missouri
Nutrients California Polytechnic State University
See also:
Look for more nutrition information pertaining to particular species on the relevant plant page. See Plants for a list. More links on particular minerals below:
Nitrogen
Nitrogen Cycling Concise introductory article Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County
Phosphorus
See also Mycorrhizas in the general section above
Potassium
Iron
Calcium
Links to come
See also section on pH on the Soils page for information on using lime for control of acidity.
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Boron, Copper, Sulphur, Zinc
More links to come. Meanwhile, check the general section above
Silicon
Tonics and Stimulants
These may have little or no nutrient content but, like fertilisers, are usually used with the hope of boosting plant performance in some way. As to their efficacy, some links will be provided below for further reading. See also Pests and Diseases regarding effects on plant health.
Manufacturers and distributors of fertlisers available in Qld are invited to advertise on this page. For example: Organic fertilisers, inorganic (chemical) fertilisers, trace elements, foliar fetilisers, slow release fertilisers, soluble fertilisers. More information about advertising
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