replacing lost nutrients

• how does harvesting prevent minerals from being returned?

  1. plant is not decomposed
  2. therefore, plant proteins are not broken down
  3. plant proteins aren’t returned to the soil
• how are nutrients lost?

  1. crop is harvested - no minerals returned to soil
  2. this is due to plants using it
  3. soil can become infertile
  4. nitrates can be lost due denitrification
• how can farmers replace lost nutrients

  organic or artificial fertilisers
• adv of artificial fertiliser

  rich in :

  1. nitrogen
  2. phospherous
  3. potassium
• why do plants need nitrogen?

  it is needed to make amino acids which creates protein needed to grow a plant and feed animals
• adv of organic fertiliser

  1. less soluble
  2. cheap
• disadv of organic fertiliser

  may not contain enough specific minerals needed for crops
• disadv of artificial fertilisers

  expensive, very soluble; can pollut water in streams, rivers and lakes