Does the amount of fertilizer given to a plant effect the plant's growth?

Answer 1

The amount of fertilizer given to a plant can cause various affects in its growth. 1. If you are using a chemical fertilizer, such as Miracle Grow, too much of it can burn the plant. This can cause death of the plant. 2 Increased availability of nitrogen in fertilizers gives plants their green color and stimulates growth green parts of the plant, leaves and stems. But if we are going into late summer or winter, it's not a good idea to have a lot of new growth on your plant. 3 The phospherous in fertilzers aids in the production of flowers. It also gives strength to the stems. 4 Potassium aids in the strength of the stems as well and contributes to the overall hardiness of the plant. I know it does more than this, but I'm not sure what else. 5 Longterm habitual use of chemical fertilizers has a detrimental affect on the growth of plants. The reason for this is that chemical fertilizers contain a lot of salts. High amounts of salts in the soil retard nutrient uptake ability of the plant. It also makes it difficult for the plant to take up water. This results in poor health of the plant and eventually death. One way to remedy this is with gypsum. 6 There are also some trace elements in chemical fertilizers. These are necessary for plant health. However, many vital trace elements simply cannot be made available in chemical fertilizers. 7 In my five years experience as a landscape designer, I have witnessed the truth in claims that chemically fertilized plants are less healthy than those fertilized organically. Organically grown plants tend to have much less pest and disease problems, are much healthier, and in the long run, are much less work to maintain.