Types of Chemical Fertilizers
February 19, 2025
To meet the needs of the growing global population, a large number of agricultural products must be produced. Therefore, farmers use various fertilizers to increase food production. In general, fertilizer refers to any organic or inorganic, natural or synthetic substance that provides one or more chemical elements necessary for plant growth. Most chemical fertilizers commonly used in agriculture contain three main elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which enhance plant growth. Fertilizers are applied to replace essential nutrients for plant growth in the soil; they increase the soil’s water retention capacity as well as its fertility.
Chemical Fertilizers
Chemical or inorganic fertilizers consist of non-organic cultivated elements that stimulate the growth of agricultural products. These fertilizers contain essential nutrients required for the healthy growth of plants. Chemical fertilizers have a uniform and consistent composition and act faster than organic fertilizers due to their immediate solubility in water. However, they work for a short period, which is why they cannot provide long-term nutrition for plants. Additionally, chemical fertilizers do not add organic matter to the soil, so the soil’s richness or stimulation is not enhanced. Since chemical fertilizers are highly saline, they extract moisture from the soil. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, are materials derived from the remains of natural organisms or by-products of natural organisms that contain essential nutrients for plant growth.
Advantages of Using Chemical Fertilizers in Agriculture:
- They provide the necessary nutrients for proper plant growth.
- Chemical fertilizers are water-soluble, so plants can easily absorb them.
- They increase soil fertility.
- Chemical fertilizers are cheaper than organic fertilizers.
Disadvantages of Using Chemical Fertilizers:
- Food produced using chemical fertilizers is harmful to human health.
- Excessive use of chemical fertilizers pollutes the environment.
Types of Chemical Fertilizers and Their Characteristics
Chemical fertilizers are synthetic fertilizers prepared in industries from water-soluble salts. They provide sufficient nutrients for the proper growth of crops. Examples of different chemical fertilizers include sulfate, ammonium phosphate, potassium sulfate, etc. Generally, there are three types of chemical fertilizers available in the market: nitrogen fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, and potassium fertilizers. These types of fertilizers are most commonly used by farmers for crop cultivation.
Nitrogen-Based Chemical Fertilizers:
The “N” mentioned in commercial chemical fertilizers stands for nitrogen. Nitrogen is a structural component of proteins, DNA, and enzymes, which are essential for the healthy growth and development of plants. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are a type of chemical fertilizer that provides nitrogen salts for the proper growth and development of plants, and they can be used to address nitrogen deficiency in the soil. To produce nitrogen-based chemical fertilizers, anhydrous ammonium is first artificially produced through the reaction of N2 and H2 using the Haber-Bosch process, which requires high heat and pressure. Anhydrous ammonium contains about 82% nitrogen, and its use requires caution as it can harm the eyes, skin, and lungs. Other chemical fertilizers considered as nitrogen sources include ammonium nitrate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, calcium cyanamide, calcium nitrate, and sodium nitrate. Nitrogen-rich chemical fertilizers are commonly used as lawn fertilizers because they produce lush greenery. Effects of using nitrogen-based fertilizers:
- It is one of the main chemical elements necessary for plant growth and photosynthesis.
- With the help of nitrogen, plants produce proteins in the form of enzymes.
- Using nitrogen can increase crop yield.
Effects of Nitrogen Deficiency in Plants:
- Nitrogen deficiency reduces plant growth and development.
- It decreases crop yield.
- Low nitrogen results in less chlorophyll in leaves, causing them to turn yellow.
Phosphate-Based Chemical Fertilizers:
The “P” on the label of commercial chemical fertilizers stands for phosphate, a compound containing phosphorus and the anhydrous form of phosphoric acid. The presence of phosphorus in the soil is necessary for improving plant growth because this element, like nitrogen, is present in the DNA structure of plants and aids in energy storage and conversion. Chemical fertilizers with high phosphate content are used for newly planted plants to help strengthen stems and roots. Additionally, fruit and vegetable growers use phosphorus-containing fertilizers to increase yield. The efficiency of this type of chemical fertilizer depends on factors such as the amount of available phosphorus, fertilization methods, soil properties, and the type of plant. Phosphorus in the cell protoplasm plays an important role in its growth and reproduction, making phosphorus fertilizers beneficial for root growth. The nutrient content in all phosphate fertilizers is expressed as a percentage of phosphorus instead of P2O5. Common sources of phosphate in chemical fertilizers include ammonium phosphate, single and triple superphosphate, and calcium superphosphate. Effects of using phosphate-based fertilizers in agriculture:
- It is essential for the proper growth and development of roots.
- Phosphorus increases crop yield.
- This chemical fertilizer makes plants highly resistant to diseases.
- It helps in the formation of healthy seeds and the maturation of crops.
Effects of Phosphorus Deficiency in Plants:
- It reduces the growth and development of roots.
- It minimizes the plant’s resistance to diseases.
Potassium-Based Chemical Fertilizers:
The letter “K” in commercial chemical fertilizers represents potassium, a compound required for many chemical reactions in plants. Like phosphorus, potassium-containing fertilizers stimulate the growth of stems and strong root networks in growing plants and also increase flower production, which can enhance the yield of fruits and vegetables. Recently, the supply of potassium to plants is expressed as a percentage of K+ (potassium) instead of K2O in potassium fertilizers. Synthetic sources of potassium in chemical fertilizers include potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, also known as muriate and sulfate of potash, respectively, as well as potassium nitrate, potassium magnesium sulfate, and potassium carbonate. Effects of using potassium-based fertilizers in plants:
- It aids in the proper growth of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
- Potassium also helps in disease resistance.
Effects of Potassium Deficiency in Plants:
- Potassium deficiency reduces the plant’s immunity against diseases.
- It causes leaves to wilt.
Other Chemical Fertilizers
Although many chemical fertilizers primarily contain the three macronutrients mentioned above, secondary and micronutrient forms are also commercially available. Secondary nutrients include sulfur, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which are vital for healthy plant growth. They are required in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients. For example, sulfur is an essential structural component of proteins, magnesium forms a key part of chlorophyll, and calcium fertilizers increase cell membrane permeability. They are found in various chemical fertilizers such as calcium nitrate, magnesium oxide, and ammonium sulfate. Micronutrients essential for plants include iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and boron, which are found in synthetically derived chemical fertilizers like iron chelate, manganese sulfate, copper chelate, zinc sulfate, and sodium borate.
Leave a comment