Fertilizer is essential for the overall growth of the plant, and it contributes significantly to the formation of plant fibres and speed production. A plant obtains simple elements in the form of gaseous from air and soil or from the solution which is obtained by the formation of various types of chemical compounds through the small openings (absorbing surface) of the leaves and roots. The following substances are generally found in a green plant.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
(i) Dry matter - 10 to 30%
(ii) Water Carbohydrate - 70 to 90%
(iii) Organic matter Compounds(C,H2,O2,N2,P,S) - 90%
(iv) Inorganic matter Ca, P, K, Mn, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Na, - 7 to 10%
Fertilizers, which are used to provide essential nutrients to plants, are available in various forms. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.
Carbon is found in large quantities in a green grass plant. Normally it is up to 50% and oxygen is around 40%. All the carbon is used in manufacturing that component. Which is absorbed by leaves from the atmosphere in the form of CO2. Chlorophyll or green enduring matter found in plants absorbs CO2 by decomposition of water in sunlight and in this process, O2 is reduced. These three elements C, H, and O are obtained from water and air. All other essential elements are obtained from the soil. Nitrogen is the most essential element for the green part of the plant by some plants and it is also required by all types of soil and all crops.
Phosphorous is usually used as a soil material and is used to make the land fertile for crops. Potash is very important for potato, sugarcane, and flower plants, it is used less in fertilizers and vegetables.
Apart from NPK, nutrients are also necessary in some way or the other for the growth of the plant.
Applications of Fertilizer
Due to a deficiency of Nitrogen, the leaves of plants turn yellow and the growth of plants stops. Roots and lower leaves of plants turn yellow first. The middle portion of the leaves of some plants starts turning yellow while the outer edge remains green. When leaves turn yellow, their cells die and the plant starts drying up. More than Nitrogen, leaves and stems turn dark green and plants grow rapidly, due to this there is no good yield, hence plants should be given Nitrogen in the appropriate amount. Excess nitrogen reduces the vigour of plants. Excess nitrogen in vegetable plants results in improved quality.
Nitrogen is used in large quantities for fertilization in low-moisture crops and fruit crops.
Due to the lack of phosphorus in the soil, the plants appear greener than normal and ripen slowly, which results in low yield and poor-quality grain. Phosphatic fertilizer is added to the soil to overcome these deficiencies.
The main function of phosphatic fertilizer is that it strengthens the roots, this property is quite beneficial because a plant with a large root system helps in increasing the capacity to absorb more food and H2O. Potassium is responsible for the formulation of starch, sugar and other similar components. For this reason, it is used for fertilization of potatoes, sugar cane feeds and roots. Potash strengthens the straw of the plants and it develops the capacity to fight diseases. Fertilizer is used to improve the soil quality of the crop and some plants themselves obtain fertilizer in solution form. While it is available. Nitrogen in nitrate form is not absorbed by the soil, whereas nitrogen in ammonia form gets converted into nitrate form from time to time and gets mixed in the soil.
How do fertilizers benefit plant growth?
Fertilizers supply essential nutrients that benefit plant growth whose soil lacks nutrients. These nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, play a vital role in various metabolic processes within plants. Fertilizers enhance cell division, photosynthesis, root development, and overall plant vigour. These contribute to improved crop yields, healthier foliage, and increased resistance to diseases and environmental stresses, ultimately supporting optimal plant growth and productivity.
Why do plants need fertilizers?
Plants need fertilizers because they provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and others, which are lacking in the soil. These nutrients are important for various physiological processes in plants, including photosynthesis, cell division, and overall growth. Fertilizers help ensure that plants get a balanced and adequate supply of nutrients, promoting healthier and more productive vegetation.