How Do Fertilizers Boost Crop Growth and Soil Health?
What is Agriculture?
The part of science that is related to the production and management of crops is termed as Agriculture. Agriculture forms the primary sector of the Indian economy as nearly 40-45% of our entire population is involved in this sector. Agriculture and farm fertilizers are interdependent on each other as proper use of fertilizers can achieve superior agricultural activity. It is agriculture that helps to feed all the people of the world. Recently, development in agriculture has become an essential part of government schemes. Due to the increasing population, the land under agriculture has become too limited for large-scale cultivation. So, newer scientific technologies are in use to improve the agricultural scenario of the country.
Types of Agriculture
There are various types of agriculture practiced by people all over the world. These are:
Rudimentary Sedentary Tillage: The practice of using the same land repeatedly for an extended period.
Nomadic Herding: This is featured by grazing of cattle on the pastoral land.
Intensive Subsistence Farming: This type of agricultural practice takes place in overpopulated countries. Rice is a widely cultivated crop under this category.
Commercial Plantation: It includes the cultivation of crops for selling in the market.
Mixed Farming: More than one type of crop is cultivated at a time on the same agricultural land.
Agriculture Fertilizers
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Fertilizers are specific organic components that promote better growth of plants and crops. The source of fertilizers can either be chemical or natural ingredients. Plant fertilizers have become an essential element to supply the necessary nutrients required for the growth of plants. Naturally, without any fertilizers, the growth of crops may take an extended period. But when fertilizers are added to the crops, they can produce a useful result within a shorter time. Though the use of fertilizers in agriculture has proved to be beneficial, it has a few adverse effects on the land and surrounding environment. Thus limited usage of fertilizers should be practiced all over the world.
Types of Fertilizers
There are two types of fertilizers used in agriculture. They are:
Mineral fertilizers
Organic fertilizers
1. Mineral Fertilizers
These are chemical-based fertilizers used extensively for the growth of plants and the cultivation of crops. They are also termed as Inorganic fertilizers. Usually, the chemicals used are- Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Modern scientists have devised a new term for the combined use of fertilizers, as mentioned above. It is also known by the name of NPK fertilizer. Mineral fertilizers can be further categorized as:
Potassium fertilizers: These types of fertilizers are based on potassium and its compounds. The fertilizers derived from potassium are Potassium sulphate, Potassium nitrate, and Potassium chloride. Almost all the essential traits of the crops are governed by potassium. Potassium helps in the process of photosynthesis and maintains the growth of the plant. It also helps in the transfer of starch and sugar from one part to the other. If potassium concentration is reduced, the plants get affected. Chlorosis of leaves and wilting of stems are caused by a deficiency of potassium.
Nitrogen fertilizers: From the name, we can understand that it is based on Nitrogen and its compounds. The fertilizers derived from Nitrogen are Calcium ammonium nitrate, Ammonium nitrate. Urea, formed from Nitrogen, is a very efficient product used as fertilizer. As Nitrogen is the fundamental protein source in living organisms, it is considered an essential element for growth. Nitrogen and hydrogen react to form Ammonia. Thus fertilizers from Ammonia produce the best results.
Phosphorus fertilizers: These types of fertilizers are based on Phosphorus and its compounds. The fertilizers derived from Phosphorus are Di-ammonium phosphate, Superphosphate, Triple superphosphate, etc. Phosphorus helps in the development of quality in the crops. Plants can fight against other diseases. Phosphorus also forms the DNA and stores energy in the form of ATP. Thus it is a necessary component.
Apart from NPK few other elements also form the mineral fertilizers. These are Magnesium, Sulphur, and Calcium. Calcium is used in the form of calcium sulphate and calcium nitrate. Magnesium is used in the form of magnesium sulphate.
2. Organic Fertilizers
Any material is termed organic when it has a close association with living organisms. Similarly, organic fertilizers are obtained from animal manures, the outer part of vegetables, crop residue, etc. Cow manure, poultry manure, earthworm casting are certain types of organic fertilizers. Vegetable peels, along with some other products, are dug underground and stored for a more extended period. Later, it turns into organic manure. This method is called Composting.
Use of Fertilizers in Agriculture
There are various uses of fertilizers:
It helps to feed the significant population of the world.
It helps in employing some people.
Makes proper use of composting and other unused products.
FAQs on Agriculture and Fertilizers: Types, Uses, and Benefits
1. What are fertilisers and why are they added to the soil?
Fertilisers are chemical substances rich in specific nutrients that plants need to grow well. They are added to the soil to increase its fertility, especially when the soil lacks essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). This helps farmers grow healthier and more productive crops.
2. What are the main types of fertilisers used in agriculture?
Fertilisers can be broadly classified based on the nutrients they provide. The primary types are:
- Nitrogenous Fertilisers: These provide nitrogen, which is crucial for leaf and stem growth. A common example is Urea.
- Phosphatic Fertilisers: These supply phosphorus, essential for root development and flowering. An example is Superphosphate.
- Potassic Fertilisers: These provide potassium, which helps in overall plant health and disease resistance. An example is Potassium Sulphate.
- Complex Fertilisers: These contain a mix of two or more primary nutrients, like NPK fertilisers.
3. What is the main difference between fertilisers and manure?
The main difference lies in their origin and composition. Fertilisers are inorganic, man-made chemicals produced in factories that provide specific nutrients. Manure, on the other hand, is organic, made from decomposed animal and plant waste. While fertilisers act quickly to supply nutrients, manure also improves overall soil quality by adding humus, which enhances water retention and soil structure.
4. Can the overuse of chemical fertilisers harm the environment?
Yes, the excessive use of chemical fertilisers can be very harmful. When it rains, the extra fertilisers can wash away into rivers and lakes, a process called eutrophication. This causes excessive growth of algae, which uses up the oxygen in the water and harms aquatic life. Overuse can also degrade soil quality over time by killing beneficial microorganisms.
5. What was the Green Revolution and how did it affect farming in India?
The Green Revolution was a period when agricultural production increased dramatically. In India, this was pioneered by M.S. Swaminathan. It involved using High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and the extensive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This helped India become self-sufficient in food grains like wheat and rice, ensuring food security for its growing population.
6. Why do different crops need different types of fertilisers?
Different plants have different nutritional needs. For example, leafy vegetables like spinach require a lot of nitrogen to grow lush leaves. Fruiting plants like tomatoes need more phosphorus for flower and fruit development and potassium for overall health. Farmers choose specific fertilisers based on the crop's needs and the existing nutrient levels in the soil to ensure optimal growth.
7. What is organic farming and how is it different from conventional agriculture?
Organic farming is a method of agriculture that avoids using synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Instead, it relies on natural techniques like crop rotation, compost, and green manure to maintain soil fertility and manage pests. The main difference is that conventional agriculture often depends on chemical inputs to maximise yield, while organic farming focuses on building long-term soil health and ecological balance.
8. What is 'slash-and-burn' or shifting agriculture?
Shifting agriculture, also known as 'Jhooming' or 'slash-and-burn' farming, is an old agricultural practice. In this method, a farmer clears a patch of forest land by cutting and burning the vegetation. The resulting ash provides nutrients to the soil, which is then farmed for a few years. Once the soil's fertility declines, the farmer abandons the land and moves to a new patch, allowing the old one to regenerate naturally over time.
