Fertilización

Fertilización refers to the process of providing essential nutrients to plants to promote healthy growth and development. In agriculture and horticulture, this typically involves adding fertilizers, which are substances containing one or more of the essential plant nutrients. The most crucial nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often referred to as macronutrients. Other important nutrients include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and a range of micronutrients like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl).

Fertilizers can be organic or inorganic. Organic fertilizers are derived from plant or animal matter, such as compost, manure, and bone meal, and they improve soil structure as well as providing nutrients. Inorganic fertilizers are synthesized or mined and are typically concentrated sources of specific nutrients. They can be applied in solid or liquid forms, and their release of nutrients can be either immediate or slow-acting.

The need for fertilization arises when the soil cannot supply sufficient nutrients for optimal plant growth, often due to depletion from continuous cropping or poor soil quality. Soil testing is a common practice to determine nutrient deficiencies and guide fertilization decisions. Proper fertilization not only enhances crop yield and quality but also contributes to plant resilience against diseases and pests. However, excessive or improper fertilization can lead to environmental problems such as water pollution through nutrient runoff and imbalances in soil ecosystems.