Fertiliser
Fertiliser
Fertiliser (pronounced: /ˈfɜːrtɪlaɪzər/), also known as fertilizer, is a substance added to soil to enhance its fertility and promote plant growth. The term "fertiliser" is derived from the Latin word "fertilis", meaning "fruitful" or "productive".
Etymology
The term "fertiliser" is derived from the Latin "fertilis", which means "fruitful" or "productive". The term was first used in the English language in the 15th century, referring to anything that makes something productive or fertile.
Types of Fertilisers
There are several types of fertilisers, including:
- Organic fertiliser: Derived from plant or animal sources, organic fertilisers improve the soil structure and its ability to hold water and nutrients.
- Inorganic fertiliser: These are synthetic fertilisers that contain nutrients necessary for plant growth.
- Biofertiliser: These are substances that contain living microorganisms which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.
Usage
Fertilisers are used in agriculture to enhance the growth of crops. They provide nutrients that are necessary for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often referred to as NPK.
Environmental Impact
While fertilisers are essential for crop production, their overuse can lead to soil degradation and water pollution. Excessive use of fertilisers can lead to the leaching of nutrients into water bodies, causing eutrophication, a process that leads to the excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fertiliser
- Wikipedia's article - Fertiliser
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