NITROGEN FERTILIZERS Meaning and
Definition
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Nitrogen fertilizers are compounds containing nitrogen that are applied to the soil or plants to supplement the supply of this essential nutrient in agricultural and gardening practices. Nitrogen is a crucial element required for the growth and development of plants, as it serves as one of the main building blocks of proteins, enzymes, and chlorophyll, which are essential for plant growth and photosynthesis.
Nitrogen fertilizers are typically synthetically manufactured or come from natural sources like animal manure and plant residues. Commonly used synthetic nitrogen fertilizers include ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, urea, and ammonium phosphate. These fertilizers provide a concentrated and readily available form of nitrogen that can be quickly absorbed by plants through their root systems. The addition of nitrogen fertilizers to the soil helps to replenish the nitrogen levels, enhance plant growth, increase crop yields, and improve the quality of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
However, excessive or improper use of nitrogen fertilizers can have negative effects on the environment. Nitrogen runoff from agricultural fields can contaminate water bodies, leading to water pollution, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen depletion. Therefore, it is essential to use nitrogen fertilizers judiciously, following recommended application rates and timing to ensure efficient nutrient absorption by plants and minimize environmental impacts.
Etymology of NITROGEN FERTILIZERS
The word "nitrogen" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "nitron" meaning "native soda" and "genes" meaning "forming". The gas nitrogen, represented by the symbol N in the periodic table, was first isolated by Scottish physician Daniel Rutherford in 1772. As for the word "fertilizers", it is derived from the Latin word "fertilis", meaning "fruitful" or "productive". The term refers to substances or compounds that are added to soil or plants to enhance their growth and fertility. Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "nitrogen fertilizers" reflects the combination of the element nitrogen, known for its important role in plant nutrition, with the concept of promoting growth and productivity in agriculture.
