What is Fertilizer? How is fertilizer made?

Fertilizer is the source of the nutrients plants need to grow. Plants absorb water and minerals from the soil, but these nutrients in the soil are not enough to feed all plants. Fertilizer provides the extra nutrients that plants need, so that plants grow healthier.

In this article, we will cover topics such as what is fertilizer, what are the types of fertilizers, how they are made and how they are used.

What is Fertilizer?

Fertilizers are materials that contain nutrients necessary for plant growth. These substances ensure healthy growth, development and flowering of plants. Fertilizer helps plants grow efficiently by meeting their nutritional needs in the soil.

Why do plants need fertilizer?

Plants need different nutrients to grow and develop. The nutrients in the soil become depleted over time and therefore the nutrients the plants need decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to use fertilizers for plants. Fertilizer provides the nutrients plants need and ensures healthy growth.

What are the types of fertilizers?

Fertilizers can be classified into two main categories, organic and chemical.

Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizer is obtained from natural sources such as animal manure, compost, bones, sawdust, straw and vegetable waste. Organic fertilizers nourish the soil and provide the plants with the necessary nutrients.

fertilizer

Fertilizer is a type of fertilizer produced by industry that contains the nutrients plants need. Chemical fertilizers help plants grow quickly, but instead of nourishing the soil, they can reduce soil fertility over time.

What Are The Types Of Natural Fertilizers?

Natural fertilizers are obtained from organic materials and do not undergo chemical processes. Natural fertilizers contain nutrients necessary for plant growth. Among the varieties of natural fertilizers:

1. Animal manure

Animal manure is obtained from the excrement of animals such as cattle, sheep, goats or chickens. This fertilizer is widely used in the cultivation of horticultural crops.

2. Composting

Compost is the fertilizer obtained from the decomposition of organic matter. Garden waste, vegetable and fruit scraps, leaves, grass clippings, coffee grounds and other organic matter can be used to make compost.

3. Foliar fertilizer

Foliar fertilizer is obtained from the leaves of plants. This fertilizer is applied by spraying on the leaves of the plants and helps to meet the nutritional needs of the plants.

4. Seaweed fertilizer

Seaweed fertilizer is obtained from seaweed and used to meet the nutritional needs of plants.

What Are The Types Of Chemical Fertilizers?

Chemical fertilizers are fertilizers produced synthetically and are prepared to meet the nutritional needs of plants. Chemical fertilizers are used to accelerate plant growth and increase productivity. Among the types of fertilizer:

1. Nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers help plant leaves stay green and accelerate plant growth.

2. Phosphorus fertilizers

Phosphorus fertilizers ensure healthy growth of the roots of the plants and stimulate the flowering and fruiting of the plants.

3. Potassium fertilizers

Potassium fertilizers increase the resistance of plants and make them more resistant to diseases.

How to use fertilizer?

Fertilizers are used to give the plants the nutrients they need. However, it is important to use the right amount. Using too much fertilizer can damage plants and reduce soil fertility. Excessive use of fertilizers can also cause environmental pollution and damage to water resources.

When using fertilizer, it is important to use it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fertilizing regularly to give the plants the nutrients they need will ensure healthy growth and good plant yields.

How do you make natural fertilizer?

Making natural fertilizer is quite easy and you can make it yourself at home. Among the materials you need to make natural fertilizer:

• Vegetable and fruit residues
• Leaves and cut grass
• coffee grounds
• manure

Combine these ingredients and mix them in a compost bin. Stir the mixture regularly and bring in your manure after about 2-3 months.

Considerations during fertilization

• Use the right amount of fertilizer.
• Place fertilizer close to the roots of the plant.
• Do not sprinkle fertilizers on the surface, bury them underground.
• Water the plants after fertilizing.

Which fertilizers are better for garden crops?

Natural fertilizers are more beneficial to plant health, but chemical fertilizers work faster.

How often should horticultural crops be fertilized?

Fertilization frequency depends on the nutrients the plants need. In general, more frequent fertilization is recommended during the spring and summer months.

What mistakes should not be made during the fertilization process?

Using too much fertilizer, spreading the fertilizer over the surface, applying the fertilizer to the leaves of the plants, and not using the fertilizer in the right proportion

Does the use of fertilizers harm plant health?

No, the use of fertilizers is not harmful to plant health. However, overuse of fertilizers can damage plants and reduce soil fertility.

What is the difference between organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer?

While organic fertilizers are obtained from natural sources, chemical fertilizers are produced by industry. While organic fertilizers also nourish the soil, chemical fertilizers can reduce soil fertility over time.

Does using fertilizer make the soil unproductive?

The use of fertilizers can reduce soil fertility over time.