[mralgae]

can you over dose NPK to garden plants?

reason i ask is i have a lot of experience with aquatic plants (aquariums etc) and have quite a lot of NPK liquid feed that was used for planted aquariums and was wondering if this could be used for the garden plants. i would have to work out a dosing amounts as the liquid i have was specific amounts for the size of tank and amount of plants in a tank.

any advise would be great...thanks.

[michael brenock]

the NPK liquid feed used in aquariums can be used in the garden soil provided it is diluted down to the same rate as is used in the aquarium. it is the salts that are created or that carry these nutrients in concentration that can cause the problems. Always use a very dilute solution and use a little but often. Normally in an aquarium it is a small amount per volume of the container per month or per week with an annual or regular clean out. Where the feed is too concentrated the plant roots are unable to absorb the nutrients and the plants wither and die.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[mralgae]

Same sort of thing with aquarium plants except to much in a tank with incorrect lighting and lack of c02 would cause a mass out break of algae..

Michael I appreciate your answer as usual. Thank you.