Fertilizers
(Short Note)
Definition
Fertilizers are the water soluble
substances which provide one or nutrient materials to the soil essential for
the nourishment of plants.
Explanation
Fertilizers are water-soluble salts
that are absorbed by the plants through osmosis process. Fertilizers are mostly
inorganic salts containing nitrogen phosphorus or potassium etc. these elements
are essential for the growth and development of plants. Those nutrient
materials which plant needs in large quantities are called Macro Nutrients.
Those nutrient elements which plant need in small quantities are called Micro
Nutrients.
Functions of Fertilizers
The main functions of fertilizers are
1. It helps the soil to make up the
deficiency of nutrient element and becomes fertile again.
2. The main function of fertilizers
is to maintain the pH of soil to neutrality (7 – 
or slightly alkalinity (10).
or slightly alkalinity (10).
Types of Fertilizers
Fertilizers have been classified into
the following types.
1. Natural Fertilizers
2. Artificial Fertilizers
1. Natural Fertilizers
Natural Fertilizers are also known as
organic fertilizers. The main source of natural fertilizers is the excretory
product of animals and decade product of plants.
2. Artificial Fertilizers
Artificial Fertilizers are also known
as synthetic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers. They are obtained from raw
mineral materials.
Artificial fertilizers have been further classified into
Artificial fertilizers have been further classified into
a.
Nitrogenous Fertilizer
In these fertilizers, nitrogen is
present as the essential element.
Example
Ammonium Nitrate – NH4NO3
Ammonium Sulphate – (NH4)2SO4
b. Potassic
Fertilizer
In these fertilizers, Potassium is
present as the essential element.
Example
Chilli Salt Peter – KNO3
c. Phosphatic
Fertilizer
In these fertilizers, phosphate is
present as the essential element. Phosphatic fertilizers are further classified
into following.
i. Super
Phosphate
The raw material of super phosphate
fertilizer is phosphorite. The molecular formula of Phosphorite is [Ca3(PO4)2]3
CaF2. This rock reacts with sulphuric acid and converts into water soluble
super phosphate.
Ca3(PO4)2 + 2H2SO4 —-> Ca(H2PO4)2
+ 2CaSO4
The mixture of calsium dihydrogen
phosphate and gypsum is called super phosphate.
ii. Triple
Phosphate
This phosphate fertilizer is obtained
by the decomposition of phosphate rock or phosphorite with phosphoric acid.
Ca3(PO4)2 + 4H3PO4 —-> 3Ca(H2PO4)2
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