What main nutrient is represented by the letter "N" on a fertilizer bag?

The letter "N" on a fertilizer bag represents Nitrogen, which is one of the three primary nutrients crucial for plant growth, along with Phosphorus and Potassium. Nitrogen plays a vital role in the development of plant tissues and is a key component of chlorophyll, the substance that plants use in photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy. This nutrient promotes vigorous growth, healthy foliage, and is essential for the overall vitality of plants.

In fertilizers, the ratio of these nutrients is often expressed in the N-P-K format, where the first number indicates the percentage of Nitrogen. By knowing this, gardeners and agricultural professionals can select the appropriate fertilizer that meets the specific needs of their plants, particularly when promoting leafy growth or preparing for certain stages of plant development.