NPK 19:19:19 (water-soluble)
The balanced, fully soluble grade for spraying and drip. A supplement that carries a crop through demand peaks — not a substitute for your basal fertiliser.
- Composition
- 19% each N, P₂O₅, K₂O
- Form
- Fully water-soluble powder
- Price
- Premium (non-subsidised)
- Best for
- Foliar spray & drip fertigation
Overview
NPK 19:19:19 is a 100% water-soluble complex with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Because it dissolves cleanly, it is made for foliar sprays and for drip fertigation, where "little and often" beats one heavy dose — not for broadcasting on a field, where cheaper straight fertilisers do the same job for far less money.
Think of it as a supplement. The bulk of a crop’s nutrition should come from soil-applied urea, DAP and MOP; 19:19:19 tops the crop up at critical stages, corrects a visible dip quickly through the leaf, and shines under drip on vegetables and orchards where you are already fertigating.
What it is and when to reach for it
- A balanced, soluble grade for spraying and fertigation — reach for it during rapid growth, at flowering, or to correct a visible deficiency fast.
- It is a top-up, not a basal fertiliser: on a field, straight urea/DAP/MOP deliver the same nutrients far more cheaply.
- Under drip irrigation it comes into its own, letting you spoon-feed the crop through the season.
How to apply it well
- Foliar spray: dissolve at about 0.5–1% (5–10 g per litre) and spray in the cool of the morning or evening for good uptake.
- Drip fertigation: apply in small, frequent doses through the season per the crop’s schedule, flushing the lines afterwards.
- Do a jar test before tank-mixing with any pesticide, and never let the solution sit undissolved.
Common mistakes
- Broadcasting it on a field like a basal fertiliser — an expensive way to buy ordinary NPK.
- Spraying at midday in strong sun, which scorches leaves and evaporates the spray before it is absorbed.
- Treating it as a full replacement for soil fertiliser — the crop still needs its basal dose.
Organic alternative
Panchagavya / jeevamrut foliar
For an organic foliar tonic, a dilute panchagavya or jeevamrut spray provides a mild, microbe-rich nutrient lift at the same growth stages.
Crops it is used on
Open a crop for its full nutrient schedule.
Common questions
Can NPK 19:19:19 replace urea and DAP?
Not economically. On a field, straight urea, DAP and MOP deliver the same nutrients for a fraction of the price. 19:19:19 is a water-soluble top-up for foliar spraying and drip fertigation, used alongside your basal fertiliser, not instead of it.
How much 19:19:19 per litre of water for spraying?
A common foliar concentration is 0.5–1%, i.e. about 5–10 grams per litre of water. Spray in the cool morning or evening, cover the leaves well, and avoid strong midday sun. Do a small jar test first if tank-mixing with anything else.
Is 19:19:19 good for drip irrigation?
Yes — being fully water-soluble, it is one of the standard grades for drip fertigation. Apply it in small, frequent doses through the season and flush the drip lines afterwards to prevent clogging.
Composition and doses follow ICAR / Soil Health Card guidance; prices are the notified subsidised rates for the season shown and are guidance, not a quote. A soil test for your field always beats a general rate. See our editorial policy.