SRI CHAITANYA TECHNO SC

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT ON FERTILIZER

ALPHIN ISSAC VARGHESE

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 SRI CHAITANYA TECHNO SCHOOL
RAMAMURTHY NAGAR

NAME: ALPHIN ISSAC VARGHESE

CLASS: XII

ROLL NO:

SUBJECT: CHEMISTRY

TITLE: INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

ON FERTILIZER
SUBMITTED TO:

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 CERTIFICATE

It is hereby to certify that, the original and genuine

investigation work has been carried out to investigate
about the subject matter and the related data collection
and investigation has been completed solely, sincerely
and satisfactorily by – ALPHIN ISSAC VARGHESE
of class XII, SRI CHAITANYA TECHNO SCHOOL
(RAMAMURTHY NAGAR), regarding this project
titled:

‘INVESTIGATORY PROJECT ON FERTILIZER’

Teacher’s signature:

Principal’s signature:

Examiner’s signature:

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am equally grateful to my teacher who gave me moral

support and guided me in different matters regarding
the topic. My teacher had been very kind and patient
while suggesting me the outlines of this project and
correcting my doubts. I thank my teacher for their
support in my project
Last but not the least, I would like to thank my parents
and my friends who helped me a lot in gathering
different information, collecting data and guiding me
from time to time in making this project.
Despite their busy schedules, they gave me different
ideas in making this project unique.

Thank you,

ALPHIN ISSAC VARGHESE

XII

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 PURPOSE

Imagine fertile soil as a bustling plant buffet. Nitrogen is the

protein builder, phosphorus fuels energy, and potassium keep
things strong. But farming depletes this buffet, leaving plants
famished. That's where fertilizers step in, replenishing the
essential nutrients plants crave for robust growth. Like chefs
topping off the buffet, fertilizers ensure plants have what they
need to flourish, boosting yields, improving quality, and even
enhancing resistance to pests and diseases. This nutritious
boost isn't just for farms; it feeds the growing global
population, providing us with abundant, healthy food.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO TITLE PAGE NO

1 INTRODUCTION

2 AIM

3 THEORY

4 CLASSIFICATION OF FERTILIZERS

5 MAIN CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS

6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

7 ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES

8 TEACHERS REMARKS

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 INTRODUCTION

Fertilizers are any material, natural or synthetic, that supplies

essential nutrients to plants. Think of them as vitamin
supplements for your leafy friends. These nutrients, mostly
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are crucial for various
plant functions like:
 Growth: Nitrogen acts like the protein powder, building
strong stems and lush foliage.
 Energy: Phosphorus is the fuel, powering essential
processes like photosynthesis.
 Strength: Potassium is the iron, reinforcing cell walls
and boosting resistance to disease and stress.
Fertilizers have their ups and downs. Most fertilizers are made
using organic and industrial wastes which can contain traces
of heavy metals. These heavy metals in trace quantities can
support plant growth but in excess can cause pollution of the
soil, water and air.

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 AIM

The goal of research on fertilizer rate is to determine the

amount of fertilizer needed to achieve a commercial
crop yield with sufficient quality that is economically
acceptable for the grower

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 THEORY

A fertilizer is a substance which is used to artificially

make the soil more nutrient rich by adding manure, a
mixture of nitrates or phosphates. These fertilizers
could be added to the soil to be indirectly absorbed by
the plant or it could be directly applied to the plant and
it supplies one or more nutrients that are responsible for
the growth of the plant and ensures a good harvest. An
alternate definition could also state that fertilizers are
chemical substances which directly or indirectly
supports the growth of a plant or crop by supplying
them with nutrients like nitrogen in the form of nitrates,
phosphorous in the form of phosphates or potassium in
the form of potash, etc and keeps the soil fertile.
The final aim on researching fertilizer rate is to
determine the amount of fertilizer needed to achieve a
commercial crop yield with sufficient quality that is
economically acceptable for the grower.
Fertilizers enhance plant growth in two main ways. One
way is by providing nutrients to the soil which allows
for better plant growth and the second is by enhancing
the role of the soil by increasing its water retention and
aeration capacity.

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 CLASSIFICATION OF FERILIZERS

There are various kinds of fertilizers and each one of them is

unique in its own way and there are various ways in which we
can classify fertilizers.
1. ORGANIC FERTILIZERS:
These fertilizers are derived from plants and animal materials
like manure, compost, bone meal, blood meal, seaweed and
fish emulsion.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Release nutrients slowly over Less concentrated in nutrients
time, feeding the soil than inorganic fertilizers, so
microbiome and promoting long- larger quantities may be needed.
term plant health.

Improve soil Nutrient content can be variable

structure, aeration, and drainage. depending on the source.

More environmentally friendly May contain weed seeds or

than inorganic fertilizers. pathogens if not properly
composted.

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2. INORGANIC FERTILIZERS:
These fertilizers are manufactured from chemicals. Some
common examples include ammonium nitrate, potassium
chloride, superphosphate of lime and urea.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
More concentrated in Can harm soil structure and
nutrients, providing a quick organisms if overused.
boost to plant growth.
Easier to control the amount Nutrients can leach into
and timing of nutrient groundwater, polluting
release. waterways.
Often cheaper than organic May contribute to the
fertilizers development of antibiotic-
resistant bacteria.

Further classification of fertilizers could also be done by using

other means of comparison,

3. BASED ON NUTRIENT CONTENT:

 Single-nutrient fertilizers: Contain only one essential
plant nutrient, like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or
potassium (K).
 Compound fertilizers: Contain two or more essential
plant nutrients.
 Complete fertilizers: Contain all three major essential
plant nutrients (N, P, and K) in balanced proportions.

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4. BASED ON FORM:
 Granular: Most common type, easy to spread and apply.
 Liquid: Concentrated, require dilution before use.
 Powder: Soluble in water, good for foliar feeding.
 Slow-release: Release nutrients gradually over time.

Different types of fertilizers can be picked according to the

needs of the plant for optimum growth.

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 MAIN CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS

1. AMMONIUM SULPHATE:
Ammonium sulphate
[(NH₄)₂ SO₄] was one of
the first and most widely
used nitrogen (N)
fertilizers for crop
production. It’s now less common but especially valuable
where both N and sulphur (S) are required. Its high solubility
provides versatility for a number of agricultural applications.
 Ammonium Sulphate is a quick acting acidic fertiliser
 It contains 20.5 % Nitrogen, most preferred source of
nitrogen in Paddy crop
 There is no loss of Nitrogen through leaching, as it is
resistant to leaching it is more suitable at the time of
planting
 It contains 23 %
Sulphur to take care
of the crop's Sulphur
requirement
 It helps the crop to
utilize Nitrogen
efficiently due to the
presence of Sulphur

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2. CALCIUM AMMONIUM NITRATE:
Calcium ammonium nitrate or CAN, also known as nitro-
limestone or nitrochalk, is a widely used inorganic fertilizer,
accounting for 4% of all nitrogen fertilizer used worldwide in
2007.
(Ca(NO3)2•NH4NO3•10H2O)
Most calcium ammonium nitrate is used as a fertilizer.
Fertilizer grade CAN contains roughly 8% calcium and
21-27% nitrogen. CAN is preferred for use on acid soils, as it
acidifies soil less than many common nitrogen fertilizers. It is
also used in place of ammonium nitrate where ammonium
nitrate is banned. Some advantages of CAN are mentioned
below,
 Faster growth: The readily available nitrogen fuels rapid
plant growth, leading to higher yields.
 Stronger plants: The calcium
boost strengthens stems and
fruit, reducing susceptibility
to disease and damage.
 Versatility: CAN works on
various crops, from vegetables
and fruits to grains and even
ornamental plants.
 Safe and reliable: CAN is a
stable fertilizer with less risk
of explosion or fire compared
to other nitrogen fertilizers.

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3. DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP):
Diammonium phosphate
(DAP) is a white, crystalline
compound with the chemical
formula (NH4)2HPO4. It's
one of the most widely used
fertilizers in the world, providing both nitrogen (N) and
phosphorus (P), two essential nutrients for plant growth.
It is effective on a wide range of soils and can be applied at
various stages of plant growth. However, it's important to use
DAP carefully, as overapplication can lead to soil acidification
and environmental pollution.

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4. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (Muriate of Potash):
Muriate of potash (MOP) is a dry, crystalline salt made of
potassium and chlorine (KCl). OP is a white or red crystalline
salt that's 60% potassium dioxide (K2O). It's completely
soluble in water, making it easily accessible to crops
MOP is essential for plant growth and quality. It plays a vital
role in the production of proteins and sugars. MOP is often
spread onto the soil surface before tillage and planting. It can
also be dissolved for fluid fertilizers or applied through
irrigation systems. Some benefits of MOP fertilizer for
farmers include:
 Can be applied to crops independently, based on soil tests
 Better quality of produce
 Reduces cost of pest management

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5. UREA (Carbamide):
Urea is the first artificially synthesised organic compound in
the world and is commonly used as a nitrogen fertilizer.
Urea is the most
important
nitrogenous
fertilizer in India
because of its high
nitrogen content
(46%N). It's also
inexpensive and
can be
incorporated into
mixed fertilizers,
applied alone to
the soil, or sprayed
on foliage.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
High nitrogen content makes Hygroscopic in nature and
it an excellent fertilizer should be stored carefully
It is inexpensive to produce Can rapidly decompose on
and everyone can use it contact with moisture and
heat
Easy to handle and store due High concentrations of urea
to its granular form can destroy the plant roots
Can be used on a wide range Ammonia released from urea
of plants causes air pollution
Urea is neutral in pH due to Lack of potassium and
which it won’t alter the phosphorous
acidity of the soil

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6. SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME:
superphosphate of lime, also known as single superphosphate,
is a versatile fertilizer used to provide essential nutrients for
plant growth. It's a mixture of two main components:
 Calcium dihydrogen phosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂):
This compound readily releases soluble phosphate ions
(PO₄³⁻) into the soil, making them easily accessible to
plant roots. This is crucial for promoting healthy root
development, flowering, and fruit production.
 Calcium sulphate (CaSO₄), also known as gypsum:
This component acts as a filler and conditioner, improving
the texture and drainage of the soil. It also helps to prevent
caking and makes the fertilizer easier to handle and spread.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Provides readily available Overapplication can lead to
phosphorus acidification of soil
Gypsum in superphosphate Not suitable for all soil types,
of lime helps in creating a especially in alkaline soils
better soil for the plant roots
Reduces soil acidity due to Calcium in superphosphate
acidic pH of superphosphate of lime can cause nutrient
of lime imbalance in some plants.
Comparatively cheaper than
other phosphorus-based
fertilizers

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 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study about fertilizers is beneficial to:

 FARMERS AND GARDENERS:
The benefit of this study will help them to improve the
quality of their product , save time with their work and get
a higher profit.
 ENVIRONMENT:
This study shows us the positive and negative effects and
impacts of using fertilizers on the environment, we can take
proper precautionary measures before using harmful
fertilizers and we could completely stop the use of such
chemicals. This study also helps us understand the nutrient
needs of a plant and how the nutrient content in the soil
supports the plant growth.

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 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Use of fertilizers helps to In due time fertilizers
increase crop yields which in cause soil degradation and
turn gives better profits for acidification making the
farmers land unfit for cultivation
Improved plant quality Water pollution from
and nutrient content due to nutrient runoff which can
the supply of nutrients cause heavy metal
through the decomposition poisoning when used as
and dissolution of drinking water
fertilizers
Enhanced soil fertility due Air pollution from
to abnormally high ammonia emission which
amount of essential can cause acid rains which
nutrients like nitrogen, further destroys the
phosphorus and potassium ecosystem
Reduces reliance on Greenhouse gas emission
natural resources which from fertilizer production
reduces the number of risk
factors for a crop
Improved food security It negatively impacts the
and economic local biodiversity and
development due to natural ecosystems
abundant supply of crops.

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 TEACHERS REMARKS

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