Choosing the right fertilizer is one of the most important steps in ensuring healthy crop growth, higher yields, and sustainable soil management. At the heart of any fertilizer label is the nitrogen (N) percentage—an indicator of how strong the fertilizer is and how it will influence plant growth. For farmers, agronomists, and home gardeners alike, understanding nitrogen fertilizer labels is key to making informed decisions. This guide explores how to interpret these labels, what the numbers really mean, and how to compare products effectively.
How to Read Nitrogen Fertilizer NPK Values Correctly
Fertilizer labels often display three bold numbers separated by dashes, such as 27-27-27. These represent the NPK values:
- N = Nitrogen (supports leaf and stem growth)
- P = Phosphorus (promotes root and flower development)
- K = Potassium (enhances fruiting, disease resistance, and water balance)
For example, Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE contains 27% nitrogen, 27% phosphorus, and 27% potassium, making it a balanced option for crops requiring equal amounts of macronutrients.
Another example is Ugarit 10-0-5 + 70% Organic Matter, where the label indicates 10% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 5% potassium, enriched with humic and fulvic acids to improve soil structure and nutrient uptake.
When reading NPK values, remember:
- The first number always refers to nitrogen content.
- The second shows phosphorus percentage.
- The third reflects potassium content.
Understanding these values ensures you select the correct nitrogen fertilizer for your crop’s stage of growth.
What Nitrogen Percentages Mean for Fertilizer Strength
Nitrogen fertilizer strength directly impacts how vigorously plants grow. High nitrogen percentages deliver rapid vegetative growth, while moderate levels support balanced development.
For instance:
- SULPHOMIN (N 45%, S 15%, Organic matter 25%) is a high-nitrogen fertilizer that promotes lush green foliage in cereals and leafy vegetables.
- CALCIMAG (N 15%, CaO 22%, MgO 3%) provides a moderate nitrogen supply while adding calcium and magnesium, making it ideal for fruiting crops needing structural strength.
- Ugarit Cereal (N 15% + Cu 2%) delivers targeted nitrogen nutrition for cereal crops, combined with copper to support enzyme activity.
The percentage also indicates how much fertilizer must be applied. For example, applying a 45% nitrogen fertilizer like SULPHOMIN requires smaller doses compared to a 10% nitrogen fertilizer, such as Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE.
read more: How Much Nitrogen Fertilizer Do You Need? Application Rate Calculator
Comparing Nitrogen Fertilizer Products by Label Data
When evaluating nitrogen fertilizer, comparing products side by side helps in making better agronomic decisions. Below is a simplified comparison table of common nitrogen-based fertilizers:
| Product Name | Nitrogen (N) % | Additional Nutrients | Form | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SULPHOMIN | 45% | Sulfur, Organic Matter | Liquid | High-demand crops, quick vegetative growth |
| CALCIMAG | 15% | Calcium, Magnesium, Boron | Liquid | Fruit and vegetable crops needing Ca & Mg |
| Ugarit 40-10-10 | 40% | P, K, TE | Suspension | Balanced growth & productivity |
| Biofast | 12% | P, K, Humic & Fulvic acids | Gel | Soil regeneration & crop stimulation |
| Ugarit Cereal | 15% | Copper | Liquid | Cereal crops, micronutrient enrichment |
By analyzing label data, farmers can match nitrogen fertilizer types to crop-specific requirements. Products like Biofast not only provide nitrogen but also enrich soils with humic and fulvic acids, making them versatile for sustainable farming systems.
READ MORE: Calculating Nitrogen Needs Based on Soil Test Results
Decoding Common Symbols on Nitrogen Fertilizer Labels
Labels often include chemical abbreviations and symbols, which can be confusing without context. Here’s what some common symbols mean:
- N = Nitrogen
- P?O? = Available Phosphorus
- K?O = Potassium oxide (water-soluble potassium)
- CaO = Calcium oxide
- SO? = Sulfur trioxide (available sulfur)
- TE = Trace Elements (micronutrients like Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, B)
For example, Ugarit 25-25-25 + TE includes equal macronutrients with trace elements, while Ugarit K-T-S 70 indicates potassium and sulfur percentages critical for crop stress resistance.
Understanding these abbreviations is essential for interpreting nitrogen fertilizer composition accurately and avoiding nutrient imbalances in soil.
Choosing a Nitrogen Fertilizer Based on Label Accuracy
Selecting the right nitrogen fertilizer goes beyond just reading percentages. Farmers must ensure the product label reflects both accuracy and suitability for their crops. Consider these steps:
- Match Nitrogen to Growth Stage – High-nitrogen products like Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE are best for early vegetative stages, while moderate options like CALCIMAG support reproductive phases.
- Check Complementary Nutrients – Fertilizers like Biofast combine nitrogen with phosphorus, potassium, and humic substances, enriching soil and plant health.
- Evaluate Formulation – Liquids like SULPHOMIN allow quick absorption, while granular products like Ugarit 10-0-5 + Organic Matter release nitrogen more steadily.
- Assess Label Reliability – Trust in established brands such as Yarafert products ensures accurate formulations and consistent crop performance.
- Consider Environmental Impact – Choose nitrogen fertilizers with balanced nutrient profiles to minimize leaching and enhance sustainability.
By following these guidelines, farmers can select the right nitrogen fertilizer for optimal yields and soil stewardship.
Final Thoughts
Understanding fertilizer labels—particularly nitrogen percentages—is essential for making the right agronomic decisions. From reading NPK values to decoding chemical symbols, the ability to interpret fertilizer labels empowers farmers to match the right nitrogen fertilizer to their crops and soil needs. Products like SULPHOMIN, CALCIMAG, Biofast, and Yarafert formulations provide diverse solutions, ranging from high-nitrogen applications to balanced nutrient packages enriched with humic and fulvic acids.
If you want to maximize crop yield, improve soil fertility, and ensure long-term sustainability, explore our range of nitrogen fertilizer solutions. Contact our team today for expert advice, or visit our website to discover which fertilizer product best matches your crop’s unique requirements.
READ MORE: Split Applications of Nitrogen: When and Why It’s Worth It