Fertiliser Types
Table of Nutrients
| Nutrient | Where It Comes From | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
|
Nitrogen (N) |
The atmosphere |
Essential in protein formation |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
Shallow rock deposits formed by decay of ancient sea life |
Essential for photosynthesis and other cellular processes |
|
Potassium (K) |
Deep rock deposits left behind by evaporation of ancient seas |
Helps produce higher quality crops |
|
Calcium (Ca) |
Found around the world in rocks such as limestone and dolomite |
Strengthens plant structure |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
China has replaced the United States as the largest supplier |
Essential for chlorophyll formation |
|
Sulfur (S) |
Commercial deposits found in volcanic regions such as Japan, Indonesia, and Sicilly |
Essential for production of amino acids |
|
Boron (B) |
Primary sources of borax ore are Turkey and the United States |
Important for healthy cell growth and pollen formation |
|
Chlorine (CI) |
Salt deposits (sodium chloride) found around the world |
Helps plants manage water stress |
|
Copper (Cu) |
Largest producers are Chile, the United States, Indonesia, and Peru |
Important catalyst for chemical reactions within plant cells |
|
Iron (Fe) |
Largest producers include China, Brazil, Australia, India, and Russia |
Important catalyst for chemical reactions within plant cells |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
Most important sources are South Africa and Ukraine |
Helps plants make chlorophyll and regulates several key enzymes |
|
Molybdenum (Mb) |
Keyproducers include the United States, Canada, Chile, Russia, and China |
Helps plants use N and P more efficiently |
|
Nickel (Ni) |
Key producers include Canada and Siberia (Russia) |
Helps plants regulate biochemical processes |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
Large deposits in Australia, Canada, and the United States |
Helps plants form proteins, starches, and growth hormones |