Role of Fertilizers in Growth of Plants

Fertilizers are natural or artificial material that is added to the soil or plants to promote growth and productivity. The process of photosynthesis covers 90 to 95% of plants food requirements and for this process plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide and water.  Just like humans plants require oxygen for respiration. However to stay healthy plants need some Basic nutrients “Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)”, Supplementary nutrients “Calcium, Magnesium & sulphur” & Micronutrients “Iron, Boron, Copper, Zinc, Molybdenum, & chlorine”. These nutrients play a key role in growth of plants and can be provided to plants by using fertilizers. Fertilizers enhance the water retention capacity of soil and increase its fertility.

Fertilizers are mainly classified into two types

1.  Organic fertilizers
2. Inorganic fertilizers

Organic Fertilizers

Natural fertilizers that are derived from plants and animals. All organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly & are required to be provided in bulk quantities for an insured continuous supply of nutrients. It increase the amount of organic matter “humus content” in the soil, boost microbial reproduction and change the physical and chemical composition of soil. It can be obtained from agricultural waste, industrial waste, livestock Manure and municipal sludge.

Inorganic fertilizers

Fertilizers made from minerals or synthetic compounds and is generated artificially. Inorganic fertilizer is the most immediate solution to infuse nutrients immediately to plants. Chemical fertilizers are rich in essential nutrients that are needed for plants and always ready for immediate supply of nutrients which are required for growth of plants, these are easily soluble and easily absorbed which enhance the metabolism of

Role of fertilizers in plant growth

Fertilizers play a very importent role in plant growth. During growing period of plant it need some necessary nutrients for proper growth, by adding fertilizer plants receive proper nutrients and ensure their lush growth, fertilizers have different benefits during different growing periods

1. Boosting growth
2. Speed up maturity
3. Increase Resistance
4. Conditioning soil

Boosting growth

Fertilizers encourage the growth of plant “rapid growth”, As nitrogen is use for boosting the growth of plant and greening agent so nitrogen rich fertilizers are particularly useful for plant lush green growth. “Urea fertilizer”

Speed up maturity

Phosphorus fertilizer is mainly responsible for the maturity of plants so if you want to speed up the maturity use phosphorus rich fertilizer. “DAP Di-ammonium Phosphate”

Increase Resistance

Potassium fertilizer strengthen the straws and stalk of plants and enables them to keep or hold more water and become more resistant to drought. Potassium fertilizer improve the quality of fruits and seed. “SOP Potassium Sulphate”

Conditioning soil

Organic fertilizer help to improve the chemical balance of soil. Proper application of fertilizer restore the chemical composition of soil and overdependance on one fertilizer results in poor soil condition. “Organic fertilizer”