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 |