In a fertilizer label such as 10-6-4, what does the middle number represent?

In a fertilizer label such as 10-6-4, what does the middle number represent?

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Potassium
• D. Magnesium

Answer: (B)

Reading fertilizer labels, the three numbers correspond to the amounts of three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The middle value specifically shows phosphorus content, often listed as phosphorus (P) or P2O5-equivalent. Phosphorus is essential for strong root development, and it also supports flowering and fruiting and energy transfer within the plant. So a label like 10-6-4 means phosphorus makes up the middle amount, while the first number is nitrogen (leaf growth and vigor) and the last number is potassium (overall hardiness and disease resistance).

Reading fertilizer labels, the three numbers correspond to the amounts of three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The middle value specifically shows phosphorus content, often listed as phosphorus (P) or P2O5-equivalent. Phosphorus is essential for strong root development, and it also supports flowering and fruiting and energy transfer within the plant. So a label like 10-6-4 means phosphorus makes up the middle amount, while the first number is nitrogen (leaf growth and vigor) and the last number is potassium (overall hardiness and disease resistance).