fertilizer

any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to make soil more fertile

Fertilizers or fertilisers are compounds given to plants with the intention of promoting growth; they are usually applied either via the soil, for uptake by plant roots, or by foliar spraying, for uptake through leaves.Fertilizers can be organic (composed of organic matter, i.e. carbon based), or inorganic (containing simple, inorganic chemicals). They can be naturally-occurring compounds such as peat or mineral deposits, or manufactured through natural processes (such as composting) or chemical processes (such as the Haber process).Fertilizers typically provide, in varying proportions, the three plant nutritionmajor plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), the plant nutritionsecondary plant nutrients (calcium, sulfur, magnesium), and sometimes trace elements (or micronutrients) with a role in plant nutrition: boron, manganese, iron, zinc, copper and molybdenum.

Inorganic fertilizers -

Examples of naturally-occurring inorganic fertilizers include diatomaceous earth and limestone.

Examples of manufactured or chemically-synthesized inorganic fertilisers include ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate, or triple super phosphate.Synthesized materials are also called artifical fertilizers, and may be described as straight, where the product predominantly contains the three primary ingredients of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium/potash (K), often described as NPK fertilizers. They are named or labelled according to the content of these three elements, thus a 5-10-5 fertilizer would have 10 percent phosphate in its ingredients. If nitrogen is the main element, they are often described as nitrogen fertilizers.Alternatively they may be described as compound where there is a mix of nutrients.Chemist Justus von Leibig (in the 19th century) contributed greatly to understanding the role of inorganic compounds in plant nutrition and devised the concept of ''Leibig's barrel'' to illustrate the significance of inadequate concentrations of essential nutrients. At the same time he deemphasized the role of humus. This theory was influential in the great expansion in use of artificial fertilizers in the 20th century.Nitrogen fertilizer is often synthesized using the Haber processHaber-Bosch process, which produces ammonia. This ammonia is applied directly to the soil or used to produce other compounds, notably ammonium nitrate, a dry, concentrated product. It can also be used in the Odda Process to produce compound fertilizers such as 15-15-15. The Haber-Bosch process uses about one percent of the Earth's total energy supply (primarily in the form of natural gas) in order to provide half of the nitrogen needed in agriculture.

Organic fertilizers -

Examples of naturally-occurring organic fertilizers include manure and slurry, urine, peat, seaweed and guano. Green manure crops are also grown to add nutrients to the soil.

Examples of manufactured organic fertilizers include compost, dried blood, bone meal and seaweed extracts.The decomposing crop residue from prior years is another source of fertility. Though not strictly considered "fertilizer", the distinction seems more a matter of words than reality.Although the density of nutrients in organic material is comparatively modest, they have some advantages. For one thing organic growers typically produce some or all of their fertilizer on-site, thus lowering operating costs considerably. Then there is the matter of how effective they are at promoting plant growth, chemical soil test results aside. The answers are encouraging.Implicit in modern theories of organic agriculture is the idea that the pendulum has swung the other way to some extent in thinking about plant nutrition. While admitting the obvious success of Leibig's theory, they stress that there are serious limitations to the current methods of implementing it via chemical fertilization. They re-emphasize the role of humus and other organic components of soil, which are believed to play several important roles:

Mobilizing existing soil nutrients, so that good growth is achieved with lower nutrient densities while wasting less

Releasing nutrients at a slower, more consistent rate, helping to avoid a boom-and-bust pattern

Helping to retain soil moisture, reducing the stress due to temporary dryness

Improving the structure of the soilOrganics also have the advantage of avoiding certain long-term problems associated with the regular heavy use of artificial fertilizers;

the possibility of "burning" plants with the concentrated chemicals

the progressive decrease of real or perceived "soil health", apparent in loss of structure, reduced ability to absorb precipitation, lightening of soil color, etc.

the necessity of reapplying artificial fertilizers regularly (and perhaps in increasing quantities) to maintain fertility

the cost (substantial and rising in recent years) and resulting lack of independenceIn practice a compromise between the use of artificial and organic fertilizers is not uncommon, typically in the form of chemical use, supplemented with the application of such organics as may be readily available such as the return of crop residues or the application of manure.It is important to differentiate between what we mean by organic fertilizers and fertilizers approved for use in organic farming and organic gardening by organizations and authorities who provide organic certification services. Some approved fertilizers may be inorganic, naturally-occurring, chemical compounds, e.g. minerals.

Environmental effects of fertilizer use - Over-application of fertilizers, or application at a time when the ground is waterlogged or the crop is not able to use the fertilizer, can lead to run-off in groundwater. This can enrich lakes and streams in a process called eutrophication and lead to algal bloomalgal blooms. It is possible to over-apply organic fertilizers as well, but their nutrient content, solubility, and release rate are typically lower. The problem is endemic, however, and is primarily associated with the use of artificial fertilizers, if only due to the massive quantities involved. Their high solubilities are also a factor.Storage and application of fertilizers in particular weather or soil conditions can also cause emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N₂O). Ammonia gas (NH₃) may be emitted following application of manure or slurry or due to inorganic fertilizers (to a lesser extent unless ammonia itself is used directly). Besides suppling nitrogen, ammonia can increase soil acidity (lower pH, or "souring").For these reasons, it is recommended that knowledge of the nutrient content of the soil and nutrient requirements of the crop are carefully balanced with application of nutrients in organic and inorganic fertiliser. This process is called nutrient budgeting. By doing this the farmer will avoid wasting fertiliser and also avoid the cost of avoiding or cleaning up pollution.

Application - Fertilisers can be buried around a trees roots when it is planted, placed in bore holes near tree roots, spread on to soil, sprayed by hand, or one can stick a bag of fertilizer in the branches.aerial topdressing.

See also -

Soil amendments

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Ladybug Indoor Gardens
We supply indoor/outdoor gardening supplies, hydroponic equipment, grow lights, organic fertilizers, organic pest controls, beneficial insects, and much more.
http://www.ladybugindoorgardens.com/

Royster-Clark Rainbow Plantfood WEbsite
Rainbow Plantfood is not like ordinary fertilizers. We use an elaborate four-step process to chemically fuse precise amounts of micronutrients to form multi-vitamin granules roughly the size of BB's. Every granule is a complete package of nutrients you need for healthy crops, and all of our granules are uniform in size, shape, and weight, so they spread evenly to maximize distribution.
http://www.rainbowplantfood.com/

Eprida: Sustainable Solutions for Global Concerns
Eprida offers technology for carbon sequestration through biomass conversion to renewable fuels and a bio-char fertilizer which can restores our degraded topsoil while providing highly verifiable carbon credits.
http://www.eprida.com/

Triplantanol growth boosting fertiliser
Triplantanol is based around the plant growth stimulant triacontanol, in combination with a range of other plant growth regulators and fertilisers for optimizing plant growth.
http://www.triplantanol.com/

Wolf Trax Innovative Micronutrients
Wolf Trax is a manufacturer of leading edge plant nutrition products. These innovative micronutrients provide a distinct and unique advantage for agricultural and horticultural retailers, and their customers.
http://www.farmtested.com/

Down To Earth
Down to Earth was started in 1977 in Eugene, Oregon and now operates two retail stores in Eugene as well as a distribution business. Down to Earth sells products that we want to use in our own homes. Most of our products are made from durable and recyclable or biodegradable materials such as glass, cast iron, wood and stainless steel rather than plastics and aluminum. We strive to market and sell the best value products that are functional and practical in their application, and enhance the quality of life, health and well being of our customers. We are committed to acquiring, developing, selling and distributing products that are kind to our environment, health, and senses.
http://www.home2garden.com/

Landscape Supplies
wholesale and retail supplier of synthetic turf and landscape supplies. Direct shipping available.
http://www.landscapedirect.net/

Al Par One Source
Al Par is a soil company that produces all types of grower mixes, and sells all types of supplies for the greenhouse, nursery, and garden center.
http://www.alparonesource.com

The Fertilizer Institute
TFI is the trade association representing the fertilizer industry.
http://www.tfi.org/

International Fertilizer Industry Association
Describes the production, distribution and consumption of fertilizers, their intermediates and raw materials
http://www.fertilizer.org/

International Fertilizer Development Center
Production and agronomic effectiveness of fertilizers.
http://www.ifdc.org/