Fertilisers are substances that supply plant nutrients or correct soil fertility

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Fertilisers  are substances that supply plant nutrients or correct soil fertility. They are the  best way of increasing crop production and of improving the quality of food.  Fertilisers are used  to supplement nutrients  in the soil, especially to correct yield-limiting factors, such as weather, space and water.

The main nutrients  in fertilisers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (these are the macro- nutrients) and other nutrients (micro nutrients) are added in smaller amounts. Fertilisers are usually applied to soil, or can be sprayed on leaves.

Fertilisers usually provide, in different proportions:

1.  Three main macro nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

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2. Three secondary macro nutrients: calcium (Ca), sulphur (S), magnesium (Mg).

3. And trace minerals (micro nutrients): boron (B), chlorine (Cl), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se).

Without nitrogen, green plants would be weak and smaller than they should be. Phosphorus is vital to the growth and health of plants. It assists in converting the sun's energy and other chemicals (nitrogen) into usable food for plants. A phosphorus deficiency will lead to stunted looking plants that produce a lower quality fruit or flower. Potassium, often called potash, helps plants use water ...

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