Fertilizers
A fertilizer is defined as a mixed material or any substance containing one or more recognized plant nutrients, which are used for the plant nutrient content the fertilizers are used for increasing the crop production and improving the quality of food and fodder. The essential nutrients present in fertilizer are phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, which are the 'macronutrients', and other nutrients such as sulfur, magnesium and calcium are 'micronutrients' which is added in smaller amounts.
History: Fertilization became more prominent in the early days. The fertilizers were initially introduced and were used in the Western world. In the ancient Egypt the fertilizers used were the sea shells, vegetable wastes, ashes burned from the weeds and clay. Fertilizers such as organic manures have been used in Chinese agriculture for over 3000 years. Mineral fertilizers were entirely known in past civilizations because fertilization of plants with saltpeter or potassium nitrate was described in both early Greek and Roman teachings and in the book of Luke in the Bible. In the 17th century, a German-Dutch chemist Johann Glauber developed the first mineral fertilizer, which consisted of Phosphoric acid, Nitrogen, saltpeter, lime and Potash.
Types of Fertilizers: Fertilizers are categorized into two types such as organic fertilizers and inorganic (chemical) fertilizers.
- Organic Fertilizers: An animal or plant product or by-product used as fertilizer, such as manure, slurry, worm castings, peat, humic acid, blood meal, alfalfa meal, seaweed, or compost is called as organic fertilizer. They are also available in granular and liquid forms. In general comparison organic fertilizers are modest and they have ample advantages. These fertilizers are commonly used to enrich the soil through nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere by bacterial nodules on plant roots. Organic fertilizers are carbon-based compounds, which stimulate the productivity of plants and are classified as slow-release fertilizers. This type of fertilizer is non-toxic, safe for the environment, and maintains the fertility of the soil.
- Inorganic Fertilizers: A chemical product of either mineral or synthetic origin,that releases nitrogen quickly into the soil and provides nutrients to stimulate plant growth is called as inorganic fertilizer. An inorganic fertilizer is partially made of man-made material which is used to sustain growth of plants. These fertilizers are usually quick-release formulas producing nutrients rapidly, which are immediately available to the plants. They are available in granular, powder forms and even in liquid formulations. The inorganic fertilizers are distinguished according to the three principal elements, such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. The naturally occurring fertilizers are mined rock phosphate, sodium nitrate and limestone. These inorganic fertilizers are affordable, consists of multiple nutrients, convenient to use and works rapidly.
- Bulky Organic Fertilizer: Organic matter such as living and dead particles, organic compost, green manure, organic mulch and organic fertilizer is commonly known as bulky organic fertilizer. These fertilizers are the fundamental factors in generating fertile soil.
Benefits of fertilizers:
- It improves the bio-diversity and maintains the productivity of the soil.
- It equates and improves soil fertility.
- Reduces the risks of over fertilization.
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