All Plants need certain mineral nutrients to survive. These Minerals occur naturally in the Soil and are taken up from the soil by the roots of the plants. Most soils usually have enough of these minerals to keep plants healthy.
However, some nutrients are gradually used up by the plants, or are washed out of the soil, and need to be replaced to maintain optimal Growth and appearance.
The most common mineral nutrients that need replacing are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K).
The term “fertilizer material” means a commercial fertilizer containing one or more of the recognized plant nutrients, which is used primarily for its plant nutrient content.
Fertilizers are derived from a wide variety of natural and manufactured materials and are sold in solid, liquid and gaseous form (anhydrous ammonia). These materials are designed for use or claimed to have value in promoting plant growth or increasing plant-available nutrient levels in soils.
Complete versus Incomplete Fertilizer
A fertilizer is said to be a complete or mixed fertilizer when it contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (the primary nutrients). Examples of commonly used complete fertilizers are 6-12-12, 10-10-10, 15-15-15 and 20-10-10.
An incomplete fertilizer will be missing one or more of the major components. Examples of incomplete fertilizers are: 34-0-0 (ammonium nitrate), 46-0-0 (urea), 18-46-0 (diammonium phosphate), 0-46-0 (triple super phosphate) and 0-0-60 (muriate of potash).
Incomplete fertilizers are blended to make complete fertilizers. As an example, if 100 pounds of 46-0-0 (urea) were combined with 100 pounds of 0-46-0 (concentrated super phosphate) and 100 pounds of 0-0-60 (muriate of potash), a fertilizer grade of 15-15-20 would result. When these quantities are combined, each quantity is diluted by the other two materials by one-third, provided each fertilizer material contributed equal weight to the blend
Imbalance in use of fertilizers in India
The manufacture, sale, and distribution of fertilizers in the country is regulated by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
There are three major types of nutrients used as fertilizers: Nitrogen (N), Phosphatic (P), and Potassic (K). Of these, the pricing of urea (containing N fertilizer) is controlled by the government, while P and K fertilizers were decontrolled in 1992, on the recommendation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
It has been observed that urea is used more than other fertilizers. While the recommended ratio of use of the NPK fertilizers is 4:2:1, this ratio in India is currently at 6.7:2.4:1. Overuse of urea is especially observed in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
An imbalanced use of urea may lead to a loss of fertility in the soil over a period of time, affecting productivity.
Urea (N) is the most produced (86%), consumed (74%) and imported (52%) fertilizer in the country. The government determines the quantity of fertilizers to be imported based on their domestic availability.
However, the process of fixing the quantity to be imported and actually receiving the imports takes about 60-70 days, since only three companies are allowed to import urea into the country.
Thus shortages are often caused in the urea market. Since farmers have to ensure that urea is applied to their crops on time, it leads to the growth of black markets selling urea, often at prices above the maximum retail prices.
The level of fertilizer required for a crop depends upon the soil type, level of yield, and water availability, in addition to the type of crop.
Certain crops such as rice, wheat, maize, Cotton and sugarcane require larger quantities of nitrogen as compared to pulses, fruits and vegetables.
Although the ratio of N, P, and K fertilizer usage across crops has increased, the quantity of fertilizers used by India is still lower as compared to other countries.
The Average consumption of fertilizers increased from 106 kg per ha in 2005-06 to 128 kg per ha in 2012-13. In comparison, Pakistan consumes 205 kg per ha and China consumes 396 kg per ha.
To meet the production target of 300 million tonnes of food grains by 2025 which was mentioned earlier, 45 million tonne of fertilizers would be required. Of this, 6-7 million tonnes may be met from organic fertilizers, but the rest would be met by chemical fertilizers (containing N, P and K). The domestic production of fertilizers would have to be increased to meet this demand.
Nutrient based subsidy policy for Fertilizers
The central government launched the nutrient based subsidy policy (NBS) in 2010 for P and K fertilizers. The policy was formulated with the objective of promoting a balanced use of N, P and K fertilizers.
The policy allowed the manufacturers of P and K fertilizers to fix their maximum retail prices (MRPs) at reasonable levels. The subsidy provided would be based on per kilogram of the nutrient.
The policy also provided for an additional subsidy to be paid to indigenous manufacturers of fertilizers.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, in its report on the performance of the NBS policy stated that in the five years since its implementation, the policy had not succeeded in bringing about a balanced use of fertilizers. The fertilizer usage ratio of urea increased from 4.3 in 2009-10 to 8.2 in 2012-13.
To promote the use of fertilizers by farmers, the central government provides a fertilizer subsidy to the producers of fertilizers.
In 2017-18, Rs 70,000 crore has been allocated for fertilizer subsidy, which is the second biggest expenditure on subsidy after food subsidy.
Allocations for fertilizer subsidy have been increasing at an annual rate of 11.4% between 2000 and 2016. Of the subsidy allocated for 2017-18, Rs 49,768 crore has been allocated for subsidy on urea.
Currently the amount of subsidy to be given is determined based on the cost of production of the fertilizer company. Companies with a higher cost of production receive greater subsidies. This reduces the companies’ incentive to reduce their cost of production.
Although the consumption of urea has been increasing over the past decade, no new domestic production capacity has been added in the past 15 years.
A Committee that examined the role of Food Corporation of India recommended that cash transfers should be made to farmers to replace the current fertilizer subsidy regime. This would allow farmers to choose fertilizers in the combination best suited to their needs, and help them to fix the fertilizer imbalance in soil.
In the Union Budget 2016-17, it was announced that a direct benefit transfer program for fertilizers would be launched on a pilot basis in a few districts across the country. In July 2016, the government announced that it would be conducting pilot studies of direct benefit transfers in 16 districts in 2016-17
,
Fertilizers are substances that are added to soil to improve its fertility and increase crop yields. They can be organic or inorganic, and they come in a variety of forms, including liquids, solids, and granules.
The most common type of fertilizer is nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. Nitrogen is found in proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll, and it is necessary for Photosynthesis. Other important nutrients for plants include phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Fertilizers can be applied to soil in a variety of ways, including broadcast application, band application, and foliar application. Broadcast application is the most common method, and it involves spreading the fertilizer evenly over the soil surface. Band application involves applying the fertilizer in a band along the rows of crops. Foliar application involves spraying the fertilizer on the leaves of plants.
The amount of fertilizer that is needed depends on the type of crop, the soil type, and the Climate. It is important to test the soil before applying fertilizer to determine the nutrient levels. Over-fertilization can damage plants and pollute water supplies.
There are many different types of fertilizers available, and the best type for a particular crop will depend on the specific needs of the plant. Some common types of fertilizers include:
Ammonia: Ammonia is a gas that is converted into ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate before it is applied to soil. Ammonia is a quick-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
Ammonium nitrate: Ammonium nitrate is a common fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. It is a water-soluble fertilizer that is available in both granular and liquid forms.
Ammonium sulfate: Ammonium sulfate is a common fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and sulfur. It is a water-soluble fertilizer that is available in both granular and liquid forms.
Bone Meal: Bone meal is a natural fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and calcium. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is available in both granular and powder forms.
Calcium nitrate: Calcium nitrate is a common fertilizer that is high in calcium and nitrogen. It is a water-soluble fertilizer that is available in both granular and liquid forms.
Chilean nitrate: Chilean nitrate is a natural fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. It is a water-soluble fertilizer that is available in both granular and liquid forms.
Cottonseed meal: Cottonseed meal is a natural fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is available in both granular and powder forms.
Fish emulsion: Fish emulsion is a natural fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is a liquid fertilizer that is available in both concentrated and diluted forms.
Guano: Guano is a natural fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is available in both granular and powder forms.
Gypsum: Gypsum is a mineral that is high in calcium and sulfur. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is available in both granular and powder forms.
Iron sulfate: Iron sulfate is a mineral that is high in iron. It is a water-soluble fertilizer that is available in both granular and liquid forms.
Kelp meal: Kelp meal is a natural fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace minerals. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is available in both granular and powder forms.
Manure: Manure is a natural fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is available in both solid and liquid forms.
Molasses: Molasses is a byproduct of sugar production that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is a liquid fertilizer that is available in both concentrated and diluted forms.
Fertilizers are an important part of crop production, and they can help to improve crop yields and quality. It is important to choose the right type of fertilizer for the specific needs of the crop and to apply it correctly to avoid damaging the plants or polluting water supplies.
What is the difference between a fertilizer and a pesticide?
A fertilizer is a substance that is added to soil to improve its fertility and increase crop yields. A pesticide is a substance that is used to kill or control pests, such as insects, rodents, and Weeds.
What are the different types of fertilizers?
There are many different types of fertilizers, but they can be broadly divided into two categories: organic and inorganic. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials, such as manure, compost, and bone meal. Inorganic fertilizers are made from synthetic chemicals.
What are the benefits of using fertilizers?
Fertilizers can help to improve crop yields, increase the quality of crops, and reduce the risk of crop failure. They can also help to improve the Health of soil and the Environment.
What are the risks of using fertilizers?
Fertilizers can pollute water supplies and harm wildlife. They can also contribute to Climate Change.
How much fertilizer should I use?
The amount of fertilizer you need to use will depend on the type of crop you are growing, the soil type, and the climate. It is important to follow the directions on the fertilizer label carefully.
When should I apply fertilizer?
The best time to apply fertilizer will vary depending on the type of crop you are growing and the climate. It is important to apply fertilizer at the right time to maximize its effectiveness.
How do I apply fertilizer?
There are many different ways to apply fertilizer. The best method will depend on the type of fertilizer you are using and the type of crop you are growing. It is important to follow the directions on the fertilizer label carefully.
What are the signs of fertilizer deficiency?
The signs of fertilizer deficiency will vary depending on the type of crop you are growing. Some common signs of fertilizer deficiency include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor crop yields.
What are the signs of fertilizer toxicity?
The signs of fertilizer toxicity will vary depending on the type of crop you are growing. Some common signs of fertilizer toxicity include wilting leaves, browning leaves, and death of the plant.
What should I do if I think my plants are suffering from fertilizer deficiency or toxicity?
If you think your plants are suffering from fertilizer deficiency or toxicity, it is important to consult with a qualified agricultural professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about the topics of soil, water, and plants:
Which of the following is not a component of soil? (A) Sand (B) Clay (C) Water (D) Air
What is the main purpose of soil? (A) To provide nutrients for plants (B) To anchor plants in place (C) To filter water (D) All of the above
What is the main difference between sand and clay? (A) Sand is made up of larger particles than clay (B) Clay is made up of smaller particles than sand (C) Sand is more porous than clay (D) Clay is more porous than sand
What is the main purpose of water for plants? (A) To provide nutrients (B) To transport nutrients (C) To cool the plant (D) All of the above
What is the main difference between tap water and rainwater? (A) Tap water contains minerals that rainwater does not (B) Rainwater contains minerals that tap water does not (C) Tap water is more acidic than rainwater (D) Rainwater is more acidic than tap water
What is the main purpose of plants? (A) To produce food (B) To provide Oxygen (C) To remove carbon dioxide from the Atmosphere (D) All of the above
What is the main difference between a monocot and a dicot? (A) Monocots have one seed leaf, while dicots have two seed leaves (B) Monocots have parallel veins in their leaves, while dicots have net-like veins (C) Monocots have fibrous roots, while dicots have taproots (D) All of the above
What is the main purpose of photosynthesis? (A) To convert sunlight into energy (B) To convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen (C) To release oxygen into the atmosphere (D) All of the above
What is the main purpose of Respiration? (A) To convert glucose and oxygen into energy (B) To release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (C) To produce water (D) All of the above
What is the main difference between photosynthesis and respiration? (A) Photosynthesis takes place in the presence of Light, while respiration takes place in the absence of light (B) Photosynthesis produces oxygen, while respiration consumes oxygen (C) Photosynthesis is a build-up process, while respiration is a break-down process (D) All of the above