A Deep Dive Into the Ingredients That Power Plant Growth

Liquid fertilizer has become an essential tool for modern agriculture and horticulture, offering flexibility, precision, and rapid nutrient availability. But what exactly is in these formulations? Understanding the nutrients in liquid fertilizer is the first step toward making informed decisions that maximize crop performance and minimize waste.

This guide unpacks the key macronutrients, essential micronutrients, formulation differences by crop type, and how to interpret fertilizer labels—along with a closer look at chelates and organic additives that enhance uptake. We’ll also introduce high-performance YaraFert solutions, such as Biofast, CALCIMAG, and Ugarit DKP, to illustrate how targeted nutrient blends serve different agronomic goals.

Liquid Fertilizer Nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Explained

The foundation of any liquid fertilizer lies in its NPK profile—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These macronutrients are required in the highest quantities by all plants, and each plays a unique role in development.

Here’s a quick breakdown of their core functions:

• Nitrogen (N)
  Promotes leafy growth, chlorophyll production, and protein synthesis.
  Products like SULPHOMIN deliver 45% nitrogen in a highly soluble liquid form, ideal for fast vegetative response.
• Phosphorus (P)
  Supports root development, flowering, and energy transfer (ATP production).
  For phosphorus-demanding crops, Ugarit Strawberry (20% P) enhances early root vigor and flower stability.
• Potassium (K)
  Regulates water movement, enzyme activity, and fruit quality.
  High-potassium solutions like Super DKP (30% P, 60% K) are optimal during fruit-fill and ripening stages.

Many growers opt for balanced formulations like Biofast, which contains 12% each of N, P, and K—combined with organic compounds to improve absorption and stimulate microbial activity.

The Role of Micronutrients in Liquid Fertilizer Formulations

While macronutrients provide bulk nutrition, micronutrients are vital in trace amounts for plant metabolism, disease resistance, and hormone regulation. Deficiencies can impair yields even when NPK levels are sufficient.

Common micronutrients found in liquid fertilizers include:

• Zinc (Zn): Critical for enzyme systems and growth hormone production.
  Found in Ugarit Beet and Ugarit Grapes.
• Copper (Cu): Aids lignin synthesis and resistance to fungal diseases.
  Included in Ugarit Cereal (2% Cu) for cereal crop resilience.
• Manganese (Mn): Supports photosynthesis and nitrogen assimilation.
  Balanced in products like Ugarit Grapes, alongside Zn and Cu.
• Boron (B): Essential for pollen viability and sugar transport.
  Present in CALCIMAG and Ugarit Beet.
• Molybdenum (Mo): Converts nitrates into usable forms for plant cells.
  Also included in Ugarit Beet for legume crops and leafy greens.

By tailoring micronutrient blends to specific crop needs, products like Ugarit Grapes help prevent hidden hunger symptoms that often go unnoticed until yield declines.

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How Liquid Fertilizer Ingredients Vary by Plant Type

Different crops have varying nutrient requirements depending on their biology and growth stages. Liquid fertilizer formulations are designed to reflect these unique needs.

Below is an overview of how fertilizer ingredients vary by crop:

• Fruit Trees & Vines:
  Require high potassium for fruiting, plus micronutrients like magnesium and boron.
  Ugarit Grapes delivers a targeted balance of Cu, Mn, Zn, and Mg for improved berry set and skin thickness.
• Cereals (Wheat, Barley):
  Need sustained nitrogen and trace copper to enhance tillering and grain fill.
  Ugarit Cereal (15% N, 2% Cu) supports early vigor and strong stems.
• Root Vegetables & Tubers:
  Benefit from phosphorus-rich fertilizers during establishment.
  Ugarit DKP (33% P, 44% K) boosts root mass and sugar translocation.
• Leafy Crops:
  Thrive on nitrogen, magnesium, and sulfur.
  SULPHOMIN and CALCIMAG provide these in highly absorbable forms.
• High-Value Specialty Crops (Strawberries, Grapes):
  Require precision nutrition during fruiting.
  Ugarit Strawberry and Super DKP enhance sugar content and shelf life.

This crop-specific approach helps avoid over- or under-fertilization while ensuring the plant receives exactly what it needs at each growth phase.

How to Read Nutrient Labels on Liquid Fertilizers

Interpreting fertilizer labels correctly is critical for accurate application. Liquid fertilizer packaging typically includes:

1. NPK Ratios (e.g., 12-12-12 in Biofast)
This shows the percentage by weight of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (as P?O?), and potassium (as K?O).

2. Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients
These are listed separately—e.g., CALCIMAG includes 22% calcium (CaO) and 3% magnesium (MgO), alongside 0.5% boron.

3. Additives and Chelating Agents
Look for humic/fulvic acids, organic matter, or EDTA—these improve nutrient delivery and uptake.

4. Physical Form and Solubility

• Gel: Like Biofast, great for foliar sprays due to high adhesion and concentration.
• Liquid: Ideal for fertigation or precision foliar feeding (most YaraFert products fall under this category).

5. Usage Instructions
Dilution rates, compatible crops, and application methods are also listed—always follow these closely to avoid nutrient toxicity.

Read more: What Is Liquid Fertilizer? A Beginner’Read more: s Guide

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Chelates and Additives: What They Do in Liquid Fertilizer

Modern liquid fertilizer formulations often include chelating agents, organic acids, or biostimulants. These components aren’t nutrients themselves, but they significantly enhance nutrient performance.

Here’s how these additives improve efficacy:

• Chelating Agents (e.g., EDTA, DTPA)
  Prevent micronutrients like Fe, Zn, and Cu from reacting with other elements in the water or soil. This keeps them soluble and plant-available.
• Humic and Fulvic Acids
  Act as natural chelators and carbon sources that improve microbial activity and root absorption.
  Biofast features 24% humic acid and 24% fulvic acid, making it ideal for improving cation exchange and stimulating soil biology.
• Organic Matter
  Enhances soil texture and microbial life.
  SULPHOMIN contains 25% organic matter for building long-term soil fertility.
• Surfactants and Stickers
  Help foliar sprays adhere better and spread evenly across the leaf surface.

In summary, additives help ensure the nutrients in your liquid fertilizer reach their intended target efficiently—whether that’s through the leaf, stem, or root.

Conclusion: Know What’s Inside to Get the Most From Your Liquid Fertilizer

Understanding what goes into your liquid fertilizer—from macronutrients and micronutrients to chelators and organic acids—empowers you to make smarter, more cost-effective nutrient decisions. Each crop, growth phase, and soil type demands a slightly different nutrient profile. Tailoring your approach using high-quality products like Biofast, CALCIMAG, Ugarit DKP, or SULPHOMIN ensures precision feeding and optimized performance.

Ready to Feed With Confidence?

Explore our complete line of YaraFert liquid fertilizers to match your crops’ exact nutrient needs.
Need help interpreting labels or planning a fertigation schedule? Reach out to our agronomy team for personalized support.
Maximize yield, minimize waste, and grow smarter—with the science behind every drop of liquid fertilizer.

Read more: How to Apply Liquid Fertilizer: Step-by-Step Instructions

Read more: How to Apply Liquid Fertilizer: Step-by-Step Instructions