Chemical Fertilizer

Definition

Chemical fertilizers are synthetic substances containing specific nutrients that are added to soils to enhance plant growth. They provide an immediate source of nutrients but can have negative environmental impacts if used excessively.

Related terms

Nutrient Runoff: The excess fertilizer that gets washed away from fields due to rainwater or irrigation, polluting water bodies and causing ecological imbalances.

Organic Fertilizer: Natural substances derived from plant or animal sources that enrich the soil with organic matter and release nutrients slowly over time.

Nitrogen Fixation: A process performed by certain bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, reducing reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilizers.