Fertilizers

Definition

Fertilizers are substances added to soil or plants to provide essential nutrients that help them grow properly. They can be organic or chemical in nature.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Fertilizers are compounds used to enhance the growth of plants by supplying essential nutrients in forms that are either naturally derived (organic) or synthetically manufactured (chemical). These nutrients typically include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – collectively referred to as NPK – along with other micronutrients vital for plant growth.

Benefits

• Increase in crop yields
• Enhancement in the nutritional quality of crops
• Improvement in soil fertility through organic fertilizers
• Promotion of healthy plant growth

Examples

• Compost (organic)
• Manure (organic)
• Urea (chemical)
• Ammonium nitrate (chemical)

Additional Information

• effects: Fertilizers aid in plant growth by providing essential nutrients that are crucial for photosynthesis, energy transfer, and cellular functions.

Related Terms

• Organic farming
• Conventional farming
• Soil health
• Nutrients
• Composting

References

• The Role of Fertilizers in Plant Nutrition
• Fertilizers and Their Impact on Agriculture