Chemicals Found in Fertilizers

Nitrogen

• Nitrogen is one of the three basic plant nutrients found in most fertilizers. Although nitrogen makes up 78 percent of the earth's atmosphere, and is a primary building block for all life, this form of nitrogen is chemically inert, so plants cannot use them. As a result, nitrogen fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and urea are critical to plant growth. Nitrogen enables plants to turn green because it is an important part of chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants. In addition, this important nutrient helps form proteins. Strong roots and vibrant growth in plants can be linked to the application of nitrogen.
  
  

Phosphorus

• Phosphorus is the second of the three basic plant nutrients in fertilizers. Phosphorus helps plants store and transfer energy. In addition, phosphorus allows plants to achieve early maturity and promotes the development of fruits, flowers and roots. This nutrient is available in soils that have a pH level, or level of acidity and basicity, of 6.0 to 7.0. Rock phosphate is used to manufacture phosphorus fertilizers.
  
  

Potassium

• Like nitrogen, potassium -- another one of the three macronutrients plants need to survive -- helps build protein. Potassium additionally helps with the process of photosynthesis, in which plants use the sun's energy to produce sugar for food. This nutrient decreases the risk of disease and increases the fruitfulness of plants. Potassium actually is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except for nitrogen.
  
  

Others

• Fertilizers also contain micronutrients such as iron, manganese and boron. Other nutrients include copper, chloride, zinc and molybdenum. Iron helps form chlorophyll, while zinc regulates the consumption of sugars. Molybdenum helps plants use nitrogen, and copper is important for a plant's reproductive growth. In addition, chlorine assists in plants' metabolism, while manganese is involved in breaking down carbohydrates. Boron helps plants use nutrients and contributes to the development of seeds and fruit as well.