Question

List any two advantages and two disadvantages of using chemical fertilizers.

Answer 1

Advantages of Chemical Fertilizers......

• Chemical fertilizers are made with synthetic ingredients designed to stimulate plant growth.
• Commercial chemical fertilizers have the advantage of predictability and reliability. Formulations are blended with accuracy and we can buy different blends for different types of plants.
• Commercial chemical fertilizers contain a balanced distribution of the three main essential nutrients needed for optimum plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
• Many formulas also contain iron, sulfur and copper. The amount of the three main ingredients are listed in that order, by percentage, on commercial fertilizer labels as the N-P-K ratio.
• Percentages of trace minerals are not always listed. Commercial formulated fertilizers allow we to know exactly which nutrients we are giving our plants, rather than guessing at the composition of organic formulas.

Disadvantages of Chemical Fertilizers..........

• Commercial chemical fertilizers are more expensive than natural fertilizers. They may contain ingredients that may be toxic to the skin or respiratory system.
• We also need to mix and measure them accurately. If we use too much, it can kill our plants. Chemical fertilizers can build up in the soil, causing long-term imbalances in soil pH and fertility.