Replenishment of Nutrients in Soil

Nutrient Replenishment in Soil: There are two types of nutrition in plants. Green plants are autotrophs which prepare their own food. They take raw materials from the soil and air and sun’s energy to synthesise food. The balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen is steadily maintained by plants and animals on the earth. Plants release oxygen gas during photosynthesis and they utilize carbon dioxide gas released by animals. But, do you know that plants continuously utilize nutrients from the soil absorbed with water. Due to this continuous utilization, the soil gets depleted of vital nutrients. Therefore, the soil needs addition of these nutrients from time to time to maintain its fertility.

Addition of Manures: Manures are decomposed matter of animal and plant wastes. They are rich in essential nutrients and humus. Manures are added to enrich the soil with vital nutrients that plants require. Cattle dung is mostly used by farmers as manure.

Addition of Fertilizers: Farmers and gardeners add chemical fertilisers to their fields and gardens. Chemical fertiliser are rich in particular nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The benefit of adding chemical fertiliser is that the soil deficient of any nutrient gets replenished with that nutrient. Examples of some chemical fertilizers are urea, superphosphate and potassium sulphate.

Addition of Compost: We know that making of compost and its benefits. Compost can be made by utilizing biodegradable waste generated in our homes. It is cheap, safe and enriches the soil with valuable nutrients.