I am starting a series on fertilizers, as a farmer with a passion, i want to see our production high and growing. Lets start....
![White Swan Homes and Gardens_ FERTILIZERS - WHAT ARE THEY ___.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRVAy3ZxdKgJiz8Lt8K2TQCqocThfYW5NxsKyUmw1KfMT/White%20Swan%20Homes%20and%20Gardens_%20FERTILIZERS%20-%20WHAT%20ARE%20THEY%20___.jpg)
[what fertilizers are](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viI76AHxleg/T1Zb5jQNy-I/AAAAAAAACIM/FoCpsuPNmJg/s1600/fertilizers.jpg)
Fertilizers are usually substances added to the soil to supply nutrients.
They are categorised into two, organic and inorganic fertilizers.

*Qualities of a good fertilizer*
It should be:-
✔ Easy to apply
✔ Easy to handle
✔ Easy to store
✔ Able to supply the required nutrients readily.
✔ Affordable.

Lets now look at one category of fertilizer and that is;

**Artificial or Inorganic fertilizers**
These are chemically synthesised plant nutrient compounds which are applied to the soil to supplement its natural fertility.
![Types of Inorganic Fertilizers(1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXfRvpEUCS4PT6ckBaC4hyNsQEzCZjZFU5meWrJewmphw/Types%20of%20Inorganic%20Fertilizers(1).jpg)
[Source](http://agrihomegh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/inorganic-fertilizer-2.jpg)

*Advantages of Inorganic fertilizers*

✔ They contain high mineral concentrate
✔ They are more convenient to handle and store
✔ They release nutrients easily.
✔ Many are combined with irrigation water and applied at once.

*Disadvantages of inorganic fertilizers*

✔ They are expensive
✔ They are used up quickly
✔ They can be leached
✔ May pollute the environment if incorrectly used.
✔ Frequent application usually changes the soil Ph.

**Factors to consider for beneficial use of these fertilizers**

✔ Apply the correct rate of fertilizers
✔ Ensure to apply correct type 
✔ Carefully assess the required nutrients for plant growth
✔ First analyse the soil to establish nutrients present in the soil.

![ncealevel2sci - fertilizers.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYxv79H2AoDNge4mju4dipmmz9ybyajSiMA4auxVRtVK2/ncealevel2sci%20-%20fertilizers.jpg)
[Image](http://agrihomegh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/inorganic-fertilizer-2.jpg)



So, fertilizers containing only one essential element is known as simple or a straight fertilizer. Then, those that contain two or more essential elements is known as a compound or mixed fertilizer.

Stay tuned for the next episode with continuation with compound fertilizers.

Thanks for the interest in farming

Ben (Agriculturalist)

![C__Data_Users_DefApps_AppData_INTERNETEXPLORER_Temp_Saved Images_DQmUNctsd6TByFs9CguC5wNVca4Cm5rFMyYexnKj8zga2GZ.gif](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUNctsd6TByFs9CguC5wNVca4Cm5rFMyYexnKj8zga2GZ/C__Data_Users_DefApps_AppData_INTERNETEXPLORER_Temp_Saved%20Images_DQmUNctsd6TByFs9CguC5wNVca4Cm5rFMyYexnKj8zga2GZ.gif)