What is the 16 16 16 on fertilizer bags?

I think it relates to the mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, & potassium I don't get the 16 as a measure but this is what they represent.

16-16-16 is the relative percentage % of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium(K) (in the form of Potash).

Miracle Gro is 15-30-15 meaning that mixture is 15% N, 30% K₂O₅, & 15% P₂O.

Plants use these nutrients to develop different parts; N builds strong leaves, Phosphate builds strong roots, and Potash promotes root development and disease resistance.

A useful memory device is: "Up, Down, All-Around".

The #'s represent how much of the N-P-K is put out in a 1000 sq ft.

First answer by ID1676666253. Last edit by Shelbymwhite. Contributor trust: 3 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 36 [recommend question]

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