Types of Fertilizers
- Fertilizers can be natural or synthetic and contain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- They can be applied dry or as a liquid and are commonly used in industrial agriculture.
Impact and Consequences of Fertilizer Use
- Nitrogen fertilizer use has increased significantly, leading to environmental issues like water pollution and eutrophication.
- Fertilizer production contributes to carbon emissions.
- Sustainable agriculture practices can help mitigate negative effects.
History and Development of Fertilizers
- Farmers have always been concerned about soil fertility and used minerals and manure in the past.
- Chemists like Justus von Liebig and John Bennet Lawes played important roles in plant nutrition research and the development of artificial fertilizers.
- Industrial processes revolutionized nitrogen-based fertilizer production.
Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizers
- Production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers increased after World War II and continues at a high rate.
- These fertilizers have supported global population growth and are produced by companies like Yara International.
Nutrients Provided by Fertilizers
- Fertilizers supply macro and micronutrients necessary for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and secondary macronutrients.
- Various compounds are used to deliver these nutrients.
