Fertilisers are compounds of nutrients given to plants in order to promote growth. The three primary
Fertilisers are compounds of nutrients given to plants in order to promote growth. The three primary macronutrients essential for plant growth are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Secondary macronutrients include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S). There are also micronutrients which benefit plant growth, including boron (B), copper (Cu), chlorine (Cl), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn). These nutrients, or fertilisers, are applied through the soil for uptake by plant roots or by foliar spraying for uptake through leaves.
Agronomists have labelled potassium the regulator because of the key role it plays in controlling critical plant processes such as photosynthesis, protein formation, enzyme activation and starch formation. Potassium is vital for healthy plant metabolism and promotes the development of strong roots, stalks and stems. It is also understood to regulate the plant’s water content and expansion. As a consequence, potassium increases the resilience of a plant to weather stressors such as variable temperatures, drought and high winds. Potassium also boosts disease and pest resistance and is often called the quality nutrient because it enhances the appearance, taste, nutritional value and shelf life of the harvested crop.
Fertilisers are coming into focus as higher yields are required from cropping in order to feed the global population. This is driven by population growth, and an associated decline in arable land. The United Nations publication, World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision, predicts that the global population is expected to rise from a world population of 7 billion to 9.6 billion by 2050 and to around 11 billion by 2100. This rapid expansion is expected to place an increasing demand for food production on an already overburdened agricultural industry. Further, as the population rises and urban areas expand, a reduction in arable land per person available for agriculture ensues. To meet this decrease in arable land per capita and increased demand from a rising world population, farmers are required to apply more fertilisers to increase crop yields and replace nutrients used during the cropping cycle. This equates to increased demand for fertilisers in the near future and continuing for the long term.
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