Nitrogen & Fertilisers
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 10.2.1
NPK Fertilisers
Plants need nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to grow. Harvesting crops may mean that there isn't enough of these elements in the soil. Fertilisers can help to top up these nutrients.
Increase agricultural productivity
- Fertilisers increase the amount of essential nutrients, resulting in an increase in agricultural productivity.
Contain NPK salts
- NPK fertilisers contain salts of all three essential elements in carefully controlled percentages.
- Ammonium salts and nitrates are used as fertilisers.
Test yourself on Nitrogen & Fertilisers
What elements are essential for the success of plants?
Why might a farmer need to add fertiliser to a field after harvesting a crop?
What elements are found in NPK fertilisers?