What Chemicals Are in Fertilizers?
Fertilizers enhance plant growth by making up for soil nutrient deficiencies. Soils may be naturally deficient; nutrition depends on climate, disturbances and soil base. Or, soil can be depleted by intensive planting. The chemicals in fertilizers vary depending on use. Lawn Fertilizers Nitrogen is often found in lawn fertilizers and is used to enhance the above-ground growth and density of lawns. Increased Vitality Phosphorus-containing fertilizers are used to help increase plant vitality and its resistance to disease. Pest Resistance Potassium is used to help increase plants’ resistance to pest infestations and its tolerance to extreme weather conditions such as drought. Sulfur Replacement Sulfur replaces atmospheric sulfur, the levels of which have decreased over time due to air pollution regulations. Acidity Reduction Lime fertilizers introduce calcium and magnesium to soils and are often used to raise the pH level of soils so that nutrients may become more readily available to plan
