Nitrogen-Only Fertilizers? - Ask Extension
Hello! I recently received my soil analysis results back and they informed me that I have very high phosphorus, very high potassium, with medium to h...
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Nitrogen-Only Fertilizers? #945383
Asked September 18, 2026, 4:44 PM EDT
Hello! I recently received my soil analysis results back and they informed me that I have very high phosphorus, very high potassium, with medium to high organic matter, and slightly alkaline soil. Does that mean I can not add Bio-Tone starter fertilizer when planting new perennials? Should I also plant everything without mixing in some compost? I know that blood meal is a nitrogen-only fertilizer, but my dogs love the smell of it, and will destroy my plants trying eat it. Can you please tell me what else to use for Nitrogen with no Phosphorus or Potassium, that my dog's won't like? Also please let me know when to use it. Just once in the spring around all my perennials and shrubs? Or should I also add Nitrogen when planting? I only grow perennial flowers and shrubs right now, no veggies yet. Thanks so much for your help!
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
See the bottom six lines on your soil test report regarding nitrogen application amounts and timing for your lawn. For flowers consult information for each perennial. Look up the plant name followed by ".edu" for research based information. Many perennials do not need additional nitrogen fertilizer.
Compost is a good idea because it biodegrades slowly and prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted. See this web page.
https://schenectady.cce.cornell.edu/resources/compost-basics-benefits-of-composting
Articles on Bio Tone say that it may cause stomach upsets in dogs. If used it should not be left on the soil surface.
An online search for "no smell nitrogen fertilizer.edu" revealed several brands, some common and some less known that are all nitrogen. Any fertilizer with a number followed by two zeros on the label is all nitrogen. High Potassium and phosphorus are common in some Minnesota soils.
Compost is a good idea because it biodegrades slowly and prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted. See this web page.
https://schenectady.cce.cornell.edu/resources/compost-basics-benefits-of-composting
Articles on Bio Tone say that it may cause stomach upsets in dogs. If used it should not be left on the soil surface.
An online search for "no smell nitrogen fertilizer.edu" revealed several brands, some common and some less known that are all nitrogen. Any fertilizer with a number followed by two zeros on the label is all nitrogen. High Potassium and phosphorus are common in some Minnesota soils.
