Fertilisers are substances (organic or artificial) that
are applied to plants to increase crop yield. They contain the minerals that
allow a plant to grow, which is why they are sometimes referred to as NPK
fertilisers. They contain nitrates, phosphates and potassium.
These minerals are taken in by the roots through active
transport
The ratio of these minerals can be changed based on what
they want to gain from the crop yield, however there needs to be a sufficient
amount of each mineral for healthy growth
Nitrates:
They are used to create nucleic and amino acids(àprotein) in the plant, which is
needed for growth. If there is a lot of nitrates in the soil, then the plant
will be able to grow more and increases crop yield.
Phosphates:
Phosphates are used for respiration and growth and are
needed to make DNA and cell membranes. It is also used to make ATP which is the
substance which stores energy in cells.
Potassium:
Potassium is also used for respiration and growth, it is
needed in enzymes which are involved in respiration and photosynthesis. It is
involved in enabling the transfer of minerals across the cell membranes and
without it the plant would be unable to carry out reactions.
Organic fertilisers: are often animal waste products which
have gone through the process of decomposition and fermentation. This is then
applied to the soil providing the plants with the nutrients to increase crop
yield and encourage growth.
Artificial fertilisers: are usually synthetically produced
chemicals. For example, the Haber process is used to create ammonia, which is
then used as a base for other synthetic nitrate fertilisers. When applied to
the soil the solution is combined with soil water and the minerals can then be
taken in by the plant for an increased crop yield.
*when fertilisers run off (leached) of on fields and into
smaller bodies of water, it can cause eutrophication
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