Formulated vs Manure Fertilisers
Chemistry: Cambridge International A Level, topic 2.5.2
NPK Fertilisers
Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are all essential elements for plant growth. 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 present in the soil. This results in an increase in agricultural productivity.
Contain NPK salts
- NPK fertilisers contain salts of the three essential elements in carefully controlled percentages.
Manure vs Formulated Fertilisers
Traditionally, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus were added to the soil using manure fertilisers. Today, farmers often use formulated fertilisers, which have the following advantages:
Better availability
Not as complex to use
Odourless
Can be customised
- The relative percentages of each component can be tailored to different scenarios.
Test yourself on Formulated vs Manure 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?
What type of fertiliser should a farmer use if a crop needs a specific ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium?
How were the essential elements for plant growth traditionally added to soil?