Mineral fertilizer production
Mineral fertilizer production is a worldwide phenomenon for more than a century now. All of the human and animal existence on the planet is fully dependent on successful plant growth, and mineral fertilizer production contributes largely to that success. In this article, we will cover the following aspects of the topic:
- Mineral fertilizer production – how does it work?
- Mineral fertilizer production – why do we need it?
- Mineral fertilizer production – environmental impact
- Mineral fertilizer production – top products
Mineral fertilizer production – how does it work?
Mineral fertilizer production is a chemical process, however, the elements produced can be naturally found in the environment. Each year, worldwide fertilizer industries transform millions of tons of air, natural gas, and mined ores into products based on three essential plant nutrients, also known as macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Approximately 99% of the total supply of nitrogen fertilizer is produced from ammonia manufactured from nitrogen present in the air, combined at high temperatures with hydrogen. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are produced in a chemical process of the purification of mined minerals.
Mineral fertilizer production – why do we need it?
Mineral fertilizer production helps sustain life on earth. Soil fertility is declining worldwide, and especially in developing countries. This can be contributed to intensive cultivation, inadequate application of replacement nutrients, as well as deforestation, and wind and water erosion. Declining soil fertility is considered one of the most important constraints on agricultural production. Fertilizers are used to supplement the natural soil nutrient supply in order to satisfy the demand for crops, worldwide. Fertilization also helps to improve unfavourable conditions for cropping, which is an important task in populated regions of naturally poor soil. Mineral fertilizer production also helps compensate for the nutrients lost by the removal of plant products. As this document created by the United Nations Environment Programme states, fertilizers, only next to water supplies, contribute the most to increasing agricultural production, which has been established beyond doubt. The present structure and output of worldwide agriculture would not be possible to sustain without mineral fertilizer production.
Mineral fertilizer production – environmental impact
Even though it seems like mineral fertilizer production is required to sustain the world population, one also needs to be aware of the environmental issues raised. Excessive use of fertilizers could influence eutrophication of freshwater bodies, global warming, and stratospheric ozone depletion, as well as contribute towards acid rains and the proliferation of algae in coastal waters. Researchers seem to agree that responsible usage, as well as adequate technical and socio-economic measures, need to be introduced. Click here to learn more about this topic.
Mineral fertilizer production – top products
Mineral fertilizer production is a massive industry, and it has its weight on our ecosystems. This is one of the reasons why it is important to go with high-quality products of producers that care to do their research and keep implementing innovative solutions in their mineral fertilizer production. If what you are looking for is varied, well-balanced, high-quality fertilizers, click here to get to know BAC´s products. BAC offers a variety of products that contain all the necessary nutrient elements. They can also be used in a variety of mediums. If you have questions about BAC´s products or how to use them, please do not hesitate to contact BAC professional team here.