Which nutrient is represented as the second number on a fertilizer label?

The second number on a fertilizer label represents phosphorus. Fertilizer labels are formatted as three numbers, which indicate the relative proportions of the essential nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in that order. The first number corresponds to nitrogen, which promotes leaf and stem growth; the second number represents phosphorus, which is crucial for root development and flowering; the third number refers to potassium, which supports overall plant health and disease resistance. Understanding this order is essential for proper fertilization practices, ensuring plants receive the right balance of nutrients at different growth stages.