An 80-lb bag of 10-6-4 fertilizer contains how many pounds of actual nitrogen?

To determine how many pounds of actual nitrogen are in an 80-lb bag of 10-6-4 fertilizer, it is essential to understand what the numbers on a fertilizer bag represent. The three numbers indicate the percentages of the three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). In this case, the fertilizer has 10% nitrogen.

To calculate the actual pounds of nitrogen in the bag, you would multiply the total weight of the bag by the percentage of nitrogen. Here’s the step-by-step calculation:

1. Identify the weight of the bag: 80 lbs.

2. Determine the percentage of nitrogen: 10% (or 0.10 when converted to a decimal).

3. Calculate the pounds of nitrogen: 80 lbs. x 0.10 = 8 lbs.

Thus, the bag contains 8 pounds of actual nitrogen, aligning with the percentage indicated on the label. Understanding fertilizer content helps in proper application and promotes effective tree and plant growth, which is vital for arborists.