Page 179 - Primary Five Science

1. Artificial Fertilizers

These are fertilizers which are made in factories.

Examples:

 Nitrogen fertilizers contain nitrates

 Phosphorus fertilizers contain phosphates

 Potash fertilizers contain Potassium

 Compound fertilizers contain more than one mineral

Advantages

 They are quick in improving soil fertility

 They contain the right nutrients in the right amounts

 Concentration of nutrients is high so low quantities are

needed

 They are clean and less likely to cause sanitation problems

Disadvantages

 They require training to use. You don’t apply as you see fit.

 They destroy the soil texture if used for so long

 They are expensive to buy

 They are easily leached out of soil by water.

 Chemical fertilizers are primarily made from

nonrenewable sources, including fossil fuels.