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Soil is the medium for plant growth. For sustainable plant and animal
production this medium must be supplied with adequate major and minor nutrients that are
essential for plant and animal growth. To support plant and animal production soil
nutrient levels must be maintained. Assuming soil pH is satisfactory the common limiting
major nutrients are Nitrogen (N); Phosphorus (P); Potassium (K) and sometimes Sulphur (S). |
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| All of these nutrients are involved in key processes within the plant and
a deficiency of any one will limit plant growth, whether it be grass for animal
consumption or root and cereal crops for both human and animal consumption. |
| World population today stands at 5.8 billion and is expected to increase
to 8.0 billion by 2020. Cereals are the world's most important stable nutrient source and
to meet future demand cereal production will need to double by the year 2020. Production
of other foodstuffs will also have to increase significantly. |
| Fertilizer, both organic and inorganic, will have to play a vital role if
the food production necessary to support the increased population is to be provided. |
| Efficient recycling of organic manure will provide some of the nutrients
necessary but modern crop production will need additional nutrients in the form of
inorganic fertilizers. Such nutrients are not artificial, i.e. the nutrients in inorganic
fertilizers are natural products and simply supply the shortfall necessary for sustainable
crop production. |
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| Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are naturally occurring elements, which
are processed into forms which are readily available for crop growth. |
| In conclusion, application of inorganic fertilizer is simply the addition
of nutrients to the soil nutrient pool, necessary for crop production. It is misuse of
fertilizer or the use of them at the wrong rates and times that lead to environmental
damage.The purpose of this pamphlet is to outline a code of practice for optimum
production without damaging the environment. |
