First used by ancient farmers, fertilizer technology developed significantly as the chemical needs of growing plants were discovered.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are primary nutrients. In addition, the secondary nutrients sulphur, magnesium and calcium are required for optimum crop growth.
Nitrogen promotes rapid growth, chlorophyll formation and protein synthesis. Nitrogen also promotes rapid vegetative growth (leaf and stems) hastening recovery after mowing and imparting vigor to the turf. and function of chlorophyll–the key ingredient imparting dark green color.
Phosphorus stimulates early root growth, hastens maturity, stimulates blooming and aids seed formation.
Potassium functions including:
1. Aids in the development of stems and leaves.
2. Increases disease resistance and hardiness which helps wearability.
3. Strengthens cell walls, causing grass to stand up and reduces lodging.
When the chlorophyll of plants are exposed to light, these three elements are combined in a process called photosynthesis to make carbohydrates, with a subsequent release of oxygen.
Fertilizers may be of different kinds:
Complete fertilizer: Complete fertilizer is referred to a fertilizer blend or mix that all three major nutrients, N, P and K.
Incomplete fertilizer: This fertilizer is referred to a fertilizer material which lacks any one of three nutrient elements and supply only one or two of the three primary nutrients. Usually sold by its chemical name as a commodity, rather than as a branded fertilizer. For example, superphosphate.
Straight fertilizer: It may be defined as chemical fertilizers which contain only one primary or major nutrient element. For example, urea, ammonium sulphate, potassium chloride and potassium sulphate.
Mixed or complex fertilizer: This fertilizer may be defined as a fertilizer material which contains more than one primary or major nutrient elements produced by the process of chemical reactions.
What is fertilizer?
