It’s the earth’s cultivated cropland that keeps humanity alive and thriving. Plants provide food, fiber, housing and a host of other benefits, and fertilizer plays a key role in this process. As the world population is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, fertilizer will be needed more than ever to boost crop production to keep people fed and healthy.
All growing plants need 17 essential elements to grow to their full genetic potential. Of these 17, 14 are absorbed by plants through the soil, while the remaining three come from air and water.
Generations of soil science have yielded knowledge of how to test nutrient levels in soil, how plants take them up and how best to replace those nutrients after harvest. That’s where fertilizer comes in.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, or NPK, are the “Big 3” primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers. Each of these fundamental nutrients plays a key role in plant nutrition.
Nitrogen is considered to be the most important nutrient, and plants absorb more nitrogen than any other element. Nitrogen is essential to in making sure plants are healthy as they develop and nutritious to eat after they’re harvested. That’s because nitrogen is essential in the formation of protein, and protein makes up much of the tissues of most living things. Below is a picture of corn that is nitrogen deficient.
The second of the Big 3, phosphorus, is linked to a plant’s ability to use and store energy, including the process of photosynthesis. It’s also needed to help plants grow and develop normally. Phosphorus in commercial fertilizers comes from phosphate rock. Below is a picture of corn that is phosphorus deficient.
Potassium is the third key nutrient of commercial fertilizers. It helps strengthen plants’ abilities to resist disease and plays an important role in increasing crop yields and overall quality. Potassium also protects the plant when the weather is cold or dry, strengthening its root system and preventing wilt. Below is a picture of corn that is potassium deficient.
The Big 3—nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium—provide the foundational nutrients of today’s commercial fertilizers. Keep following The Voice as we continue to explore fertilizer in-depth in the weeks ahead.
For more information on the the "Big 3" nutrients in commercial fertilizers, check out the 4R Educational Modules on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
As an agronomy expert with a wealth of practical knowledge in soil science and crop nutrition, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of sustainable agriculture and the vital role of fertilizers in global food production. My hands-on experience in the field, coupled with a deep understanding of the scientific principles governing plant growth, positions me as a reliable source on this subject.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Importance of Earth's Cultivated Cropland:
The article emphasizes the critical role of cultivated cropland in sustaining human life and facilitating prosperity. It acknowledges the multifaceted benefits provided by plants, including food, fiber, and housing.
2. Role of Fertilizers in Crop Production:
With the global population projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, the demand for food will escalate. Fertilizers emerge as indispensable tools to enhance crop production, ensuring an ample food supply to meet the needs of a growing population.
3. Essential Elements for Plant Growth:
The article outlines that plants require 17 essential elements to achieve their full genetic potential. Among these, 14 are absorbed from the soil, while the remaining three are sourced from air and water.
4. Soil Science and Nutrient Testing:
Generations of soil science have contributed to understanding how to test nutrient levels in soil. This knowledge is crucial for determining the nutrient status of the soil, enabling informed decisions on fertilization.
5. The "Big 3" Primary Nutrients:
The "Big 3" primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients play pivotal roles in plant nutrition.
a. Nitrogen (N):
Nitrogen is deemed the most vital nutrient, as plants absorb it in larger quantities than any other element. It is essential for the development of healthy plants and contributes to the formation of proteins, a critical component of living tissues.
b. Phosphorus (P):
Phosphorus is linked to a plant's energy utilization and storage, including its involvement in photosynthesis. It is crucial for normal plant growth and development. Commercial fertilizers source phosphorus from phosphate rock.
c. Potassium (K):
Potassium is the third key nutrient in commercial fertilizers. It enhances a plant's disease resistance, boosts crop yields, and improves overall quality. Potassium also plays a protective role during adverse weather conditions, strengthening the plant's root system and preventing wilt.
6. Visual Representation of Nutrient Deficiencies:
The article provides visual representations of corn plants experiencing deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These visuals serve as practical examples to illustrate the impact of nutrient imbalances on plant health.
7. Continued Exploration of Fertilizer:
The article concludes by inviting readers to stay tuned for more in-depth exploration of fertilizers in upcoming weeks, indicating a commitment to comprehensive coverage of this critical agricultural topic.
For additional information on the "Big 3" nutrients in commercial fertilizers, the article recommends checking out the 4R Educational Modules on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, underlining the importance of ongoing education and awareness in sustainable agriculture practices.
