Side-by-Side Comparison
Lawn & Garden
Fertilizer N-P-K vs. Mulch & Soil Coverage
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Fertilizer N-P-K
Mulch & Soil Coverage
Fertilizer labels display three numbers representing percentage by weight of Nitrogen (N) for foliage growth, available Phosphate (P2O5) for root development, and soluble Potash (K2O) for drought and cold hardiness.
Bulk mulch, topsoil, and gravel are measured in Cubic Yards (27 cubic feet / 0.764 m³). One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch depth, 162 sq ft at 2 inches (standard flowerbeds), or 108 sq ft at 3 inches (weed suppression), equivalent to 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft mulch.
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
AAPFCO Guaranteed Analysis / USDA Fertilizer Sizing Guidelines | NIST Handbook 130 (Method of Sale for Mulch and Bulk Soils) |
|
First Number (N)
|
Nitrogen % | Promotes rapid leaf blade growth and green chlorophyll synthesis | — |
|
Second Number (P)
|
Phosphate (P2O5) % | Stimulates root establishment and blossom/fruit set | — |
|
Third Number (K)
|
Potash (K2O) % | Strengthens cell walls for drought, heat, and disease resistance | — |
|
Balanced All-Purpose (10-10-10)
|
10% N, 10% P2O5, 10% K2O (General vegetable garden & flower bed standard) | — |
|
Lawn Maintenance (24-0-11)
|
High nitrogen turf blend for established lawns without phosphorus runoff | — |
|
Starter Fertilizer (18-24-12)
|
High phosphorus blend for new sod establishment and seed germination | — |
|
1.0 lb Nitrogen per 1k sq ft Rule
|
Lbs of product = 100 ÷ Nitrogen % (e.g. 20-5-10 requires 5.0 lbs/1,000 sq ft) | — |
|
Cubic Yard Formula
|
— | (Length in Feet × Width in Feet × Depth in Inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards |
|
1 Cubic Yard Volume
|
— | 27 cubic feet (0.764 cubic meters / 202 liquid gallons) |
|
Coverage at 1" Depth
|
— | 324 square feet (30.1 square meters) |
|
Coverage at 2" Depth
|
— | 162 square feet (15.1 square meters) | Standard flowerbed top-dressing |
|
Coverage at 3" Depth
|
— | 108 square feet (10.0 square meters) | Standard weed barrier & tree rings |
|
Coverage at 4" Depth
|
— | 81 square feet (7.5 square meters) | Playground mulch / raw grade build-up |
|
2.0 Cu Ft Bag Equivalent
|
— | 13.5 bags = 1 Cubic Yard (Standard retail bag size) |
|
3.0 Cu Ft Bag Equivalent
|
— | 9.0 bags = 1 Cubic Yard |