Use of natural and artificial fertilisers

• Fertilisers add mineral ions to the soil, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
• Artificial fertilisers are enriched in potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. They are usually mined from rock deposits
• Natural fertilisers are composed of manure or compost and are generally the decaying remains for plants and animals
• Artificial fertilisers contain a guaranteed composition of nutrients, making it easier to apply and control the rate of nutrient uptake
• Artificial fertilisers are concentrated sources of nutrients so can be applied in smaller amounts which saves on transport costs
• Natural fertilisers are mixtures of substances and may contain trace elements, which are substances that are important to plants in small amounts
• Natural fertilisers add organic matter to the crop which may improve soil structure, reduce erosion and improve water-holding properties
• Natural fertilisers release their nutrients over a longer period of time