What are Fertilisers?
Fertilizers are substances applied to soil or plants to supply essential nutrients that support plant growth and development. They play a vital role in agriculture by restoring soil nutrients depleted by previous crops and ensuring optimal plant nutrition. Fertilizers typically contain macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), known as NPK fertilizers, as well as secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, and micronutrients including iron, zinc, and manganese.
Also Read: What are micronutrients and Macronutrients?
There are two main categories of fertilizers: organic and inorganic (synthetic).
- Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources such as animal manure, compost, or plant residues. They release nutrients slowly as they decompose, improving soil structure and fertility over time.
- Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured industrially and contain concentrated forms of specific nutrients. They provide a rapid nutrient boost to plants but can lead to nutrient leaching and soil degradation if not applied judiciously.
Fertilizers are important for maximizing crop yields and ensuring global food security. However, improper or excessive fertilizer use can have negative environmental impacts, including water pollution, soil acidification, and biodiversity loss. Therefore, sustainable fertilizer management practices are essential to balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship and long-term soil health.
Also Read: What is Manure?
Facts About Fertilizers
Facts About Fertilizers: Fertilizers are substances used to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. These compounds provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, important for plant development. Fertilizer types include organic, derived from natural sources like compost or manure, or synthetic, manufactured industrially. They play a crucial role in agriculture, helping to increase crop yields and ensure food security for growing populations. In this article, we will study about fertilizers and some amazing facts about fertilizers.
Table of Content
- What are Fertilisers?
- Facts About Fertilisers
- Conclusion: Facts About Fertilizers
- Related Facts Articles
- FAQs on Facts About Fertilizers