What is a fertilizer mixing rate used to calculate?

The fertilizer mixing rate is primarily used to calculate the combination of fertilizers for application. When preparing a fertilizer mixture, applicators must ensure that the proportions of different nutrients are appropriately blended to meet the specific needs of the crops and the soil conditions. This process is crucial for achieving the desired nutrient balance, maximizing crop yield, and minimizing waste or runoff.

Applying the correct mixing rate allows for precise control over the nutrient content of the applied fertilizer, which can directly influence plant health and productivity. The other options relate to different aspects of fertilizer application but do not specifically address the objective of determining how to effectively mix various fertilizers for use.