The use of chemical fertilizers has evolved significantly over the past century. The reason for this growth is that plants need at least 16 nutrients to be healthy, and the soil may not naturally contain all of these nutrients. Soil relies on a nutritional balance and good microbial health, but current industrial agricultural practices heavily deplete soil of its nutrients. In the 1800s, fertilizer consisted primarily of manure, which increased crop production. In the early part of the 20th century, chemical processes were developed to supply potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, the essential nutrients for soil. With current farming practices that many believe are unsustainable, the soil continues to be stripped of its natural nutrients, resulting in negative health effects on the human population.

Examples of chemical ...