what is fertilizer

Fertilizer is a natural or artificial material that is added to soil or plants to promote growth and productivity. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients required by the plants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are the primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers. Other nutrients such as sulfur, magnesium, and calcium are also important. Fertilizers can be organic or inorganic, and they can be applied to soil or plant tissues. Organic fertilizers are usually plant- or animal-derived matter, while inorganic fertilizers are sometimes called synthetic fertilizers since various chemical treatments are required for their manufacture. Farmers apply fertilizers in a variety of ways, including broadcasting, banding, and fertigation. Fertilizer management is important to ensure that the soil has adequate nutrients for plant growth and to avoid overuse, which can lead to environmental problems.