Why does fertilizer make plants grow?
Plants depend on the availability of 18 nutrients from air, in water, and within soil. Air and water are sources of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Needed in large amounts within the soil are the macronutrients: nitogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Needed in lesser amounts within the soil are micronutrients such as boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. Any of the nutrients can be lacking. But most often problem soils lack nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These three nutrients are the focus of commercial fertilizers. For nitrogen is responsible for proper growth; phosphorus for proper rooting, seeding, and fruiting; and potassium for overall plant health.
