What is the role of fertilisers in agriculture?

Fertilisers play a crucial role in agriculture by providing essential nutrients to crops, enhancing their growth and yield.

Fertilisers are substances added to soil or plants to supply nutrients that are essential for plant growth. They play a pivotal role in agriculture by replenishing the soil's nutrient content, which gets depleted over time due to continuous farming. The primary nutrients provided by fertilisers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often referred to as NPK. These nutrients are vital for the healthy growth of plants and are required in large amounts.

Nitrogen is essential for the growth of leaves and stems, and it is a key component of proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis. Phosphorus is crucial for energy transfer and storage in plants, and it also plays a significant role in photosynthesis, respiration, and cell division. Potassium helps in the regulation of water and nutrient movement in plant cells and strengthens the plant's resistance to diseases and pests.

Fertilisers also contain secondary and micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, sulphur, and trace elements like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and boron. These nutrients, although required in smaller amounts, are equally important for plant growth and development.

The use of fertilisers in agriculture has significantly increased crop yields and has been instrumental in meeting the food demands of the growing global population. However, it's important to use them judiciously as excessive use can lead to nutrient runoff into water bodies, causing water pollution and harm to aquatic life. Therefore, understanding the role and correct usage of fertilisers is crucial for sustainable agriculture.