13.4 use of natural and artificial fertilisers

Question 1

why are fertilisers needed

Answer 1

plants need mineral ins e.g. nitrates from soil
intensive farming crops take up mineral ions and are used. mineral ions are not replaced
necessary to replenish mineral ions or refused concentration will become main limiting factor
natural ecosystems minerals are returned when plan its decomposed by micro organisms

Question 2

natural (organic) fertiliser

Answer 2

dead/decaying plants and animals. animal wastes- manure slurry bonemeal

Question 3

artificial (inorganic) fertiliser

Answer 3

mined from rocks/deposits converted into different forms and blended together to give appropriate balance of minerals. phosphorus potassium and nitrogen always present

Question 4

how do fertilisers increase productivity

Answer 4

plants require mineral ions for growth e.g. nitrogen in amino acids ATP nucleic acids and DNA
plants develop earlier, bigger leaf area increased photosynthesis