Chemical Fertilizers

Fertilizers are used to increase crop production or yields. The word fertilizer connotes something that nourishes or enhances. The word chemical may connote something harmful or poisonous. However, chemicals could also be viewed positively if used or applied appropriately.

The Soil Science Society of America defines a fertilizer as any organic or inorganic material that is added to soil to provide nutrients that facilitate an increase in soil fertility and crop production. Organic fertilizers, or biofertilizers, include naturally occurring substances, such as compost and fish and animal manure. Inorganic fertilizers are human-made, synthetic substances that are enriched with micronutrients, such as molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), boron (B), iron (Fe), and chlorine (Cl) and macronutrients, such as sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), ...