13.4 - Fertilisers Flashcards
How harvesting crops removes nutrients from soils How fertilisers can replace lost nutrients Artificial and natural fertilisers Environmental impacts of fertiliser use Eutrophication
How does harvesting crops remove nutrients from soils?
Crops absorb mineral ions
What are the implications of removing crops?
Mineral ions not returned
What are fertilisers?
Substances used to reintroduce nutrients into soil
What are the two primary types of fertilisers?
Artificial (inorganic) and natural (organic)
What are artificial fertilisers?
Chemically made
What are natural fertilisers?
Organic matter like manure
What are the environmental impacts of fertiliser use?
Reduced species diversity
What is leaching?
Nutrients washed out of soil by rainwater
What problems are caused by leaching?
Harmful for environment and human health
What is eutrophication?
Increase in nutrient concentrations in water
What are the steps of eutrophication?
Excess nutrients leach into water
Why are artificial fertilisers prone to leaching?
Mineral nutrients dissolve easily in water
