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Experts reveal the secrets about plant fertilizers and their advantages and how they affect the growth
Soil is the major source of nutrients for plants. Even though most types of soils have optimum levels of nutrients for growing plants and crops, over time their level decreases. When soil becomes deplete of nutrients, it becomes barren and cannot produce healthy plants. Hence to replenish the soil and improve its fertility, fertilizers are added to the soil.
Fertilizers are basically add-on nutrients that are supplied to the plants to enhance their productivity. Fertilizers not only replete the levels of nutrients in the soil but also improve the water retention capacity of the soil and enhance its fertility. Let us take a look at the types, advantages, and importance of fertilizers to understand them better.
Types of Fertilizers
Fertilizers are categorized into the following major types:
1) Inorganic Fertilizers
These are industrially processed fertilizers that are made from chemical means. Inorganic fertilizers can be divided into the following subtypes:
a)Nitrogen Fertilizers
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- Nitrogen is the most important component for the development of plants. Chlorophyll – the green pigment found in chloroplasts – requires nitrogen for carrying out photosynthesis in plants. Nitrogen is also a component of amino acids and helps in protein building. Nitrogen fertilizers supply the requisite levels of nitrogen to plants.
b)Phosphorus Fertilizer
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- Phosphorous is a chemical compound that is found in the protoplasm of cells. It plays a critical role in cell growth and proliferation. Optimal levels of phosphorous are needed for the growth of healthy roots of the plants. Phosphorous fertilizers compensate for the deficiency of this important component.
c)Potassium Fertilizer
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- Potassium improves the immune system of plants and enables them to resist disease. It enhances the fruit yield and strengthens the root system. Potassium protects the plants during harsh weather and prevents them from wilting. Potassium fertilizers deliver the optimum levels of potassium to plants.
2) Organic Fertilizers
These are natural fertilizers that are derived from organic sources i.e. plants and animals. Organic fertilizers have a different mode of operation. They add carbonic compounds to the soil. These compounds enhance the organic matter of the soil, promote a healthy soil ecosystem and improve the physical and chemical properties of soil. Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly and are healthier than inorganic fertilizers.
Following are the most common sources of organic fertilizers:
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- Agricultural Waste
- Municipal sludge
- Industrial waste
Why Are Fertilizers Important for Plants?
Fertilizers are important for plants due to the following reasons:
- There has been an increased demand for the production of fruits and vegetables. To meet the demands of a growing population, it is important to replenish the soil with important nutrients so a healthy and hefty yield can be obtained.
- Fertilizers strengthen the immune system of plants and help them fight different diseases and pests. This reduces their need for insecticides and herbicides. This improves the overall quality of plant yield.
- Fertilizers result in healthier and stronger plants that are aesthetically appealing.
- They increase the depth of the roots, which leads to a stronger hold and greater access to the soil’s natural resources. Fertilizers also increase the water retention capacity of plants.
- Fertilizers result in stronger straws and stalks of the plants.
- Due to fertilizers, seed development is improved which results in better fruit production.
We have now understood the types and advantages of fertilizers. If you want to have healthier and disease-free plants in your garden, contact American Tree Expert. We provide customized organic and liquid injection fertilizers to meet the nutritional demands of your plans. Call us for a free estimate at 973 744-6091. We operate in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.