Types of Fertilisers Used in Agriculture in India and their Importance

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Different Types of Fertilisers Used in India
• Organic Fertilisers
  • Animal Manure
  • Compost
  • Crop Residues
  • Biofertilisers
• Inorganic Fertilisers
  • Nitrogenous Fertilisers
  • Phosphatic Fertilisers
  • Potassic Fertilisers
• Importance of Fertilisers in Indian Agriculture
  • Increased Crop Yield
  • Soil Fertility Maintenance
  • Crop Nutrient Balance
  • Time Efficiency
  • Sustainable Agriculture
• Conclusion

Introduction

Agriculture plays a vital role in India's economy, providing sustenance and livelihood to a significant portion of the population. To ensure optimal crop growth and maximize agricultural productivity, fertilisers are extensively used. Fertilisers are substances that are added to the soil or plants to provide essential nutrients required for plant growth. In India, various types of fertilisers are used, each serving a specific purpose and catering to different agricultural practices. This blog focuses on different types of fertilisers used in Indian agriculture and highlights their importance in enhancing crop yield and maintaining soil fertility.

Different Types of Fertilisers Used in India

In India, fertilisers can be broadly divided into organic and inorganic fertilisers.  Organic fertilizer is further divided into animal manure, compost, crop residues, and bio fertilisers. On the other hand, inorganic fertilisers are divided into Nitrogenous, Phosphatic and Potassium fertilisers. Let us see each one of these in detail in sections given below.

Organic Fertilisers

Organic fertilisers are among the first examples of fertilisers, which are derived from natural sources such as animal manure, compost, crop residues, and biofertilisers. The advantages of fertilisers are that these fertilisers play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, promoting soil health and minimizing environmental impacts. They improve soil structure, enhance nutrient availability, and stimulate microbial activity.

They can be further classified into animal manure, compost, bio-fertilisers, and crop residues, among others.

Animal Manure

Animal waste, such as cow dung and poultry litter, serves as a common organic fertilizer and manure used in India, offering several advantages for agriculture. Its application enriches the soil by filling it with organic matter, improving soil structure, enhancing nutrient availability, and nurturing microbial activity.

The incorporation of animal waste increases the soil's water-holding capacity, facilitating better water management and reducing the risk of waterlogging. It also acts as a valuable source of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth.

Compost

Composting is a natural process that involves the decomposition of organic materials, transforming them into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This process offers several benefits for soil health and agriculture. This can be considered as Indian fertilizer as it is common, and it enhances soil fertility by providing a diverse array of essential nutrients and trace elements necessary for plant growth.

It also improves the soil's ability to retain moisture, reducing water loss through evaporation and enhancing drought resistance. Compost promotes the development of beneficial soil organisms, such as earthworms and microorganisms, which contribute to nutrient cycling and soil structure improvement.

By incorporating compost into the soil, farmers can increase nutrient uptake by plants, leading to healthier crops and higher yields. Furthermore, compost application helps to mitigate soil erosion by improving soil structure and stability.

Overall, composting is a valuable practice that promotes sustainable agriculture and supports ecosystem health. It can also be understood as agriculture fertilizer.

Crop Residues

The incorporation of crop residues, including leftover plant material after harvest, into the soil serves as an effective method of organic fertilization. It can be considered as Indian fertilizer as it is readily available in farms, and these residues decompose; they gradually release valuable nutrients and contribute to the enhancement of soil organic matter content.

This process helps replenish essential elements required for plant growth and improves the overall fertility of the soil. By utilizing crop residues as an organic fertilizer, farmers can minimize waste, optimize nutrient recycling, and promote sustainable agricultural practices that support soil health and long-term productivity.

Biofertilisers

Biofertilisers are eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers that harness the power of beneficial microorganisms. These biofertilisers consist of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi. These microorganisms establish symbiotic relationships with plants, promoting nutrient absorption and enhancing crop growth.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants while phosphate-solubilizing bacteria enhance the availability of phosphorus. Mycorrhizal fungi form mutually beneficial associations with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and water absorption. These are the notable uses of fertilisers.

Inorganic Fertilisers

Inorganic or chemical fertilisers are the second examples of fertilisers, which are synthetically manufactured and provide essential nutrients in concentrated forms. The advantages of fertilisers are that these fertilisers offer immediate nutrient availability and are widely used in modern agriculture.

They are classified into three main types: nitrogenous, phosphatic, and potassic fertilisers.

Nitrogenous Fertilisers

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for optimal plant growth, and its deficiency is a common issue in Indian soils. To address this, nitrogenous fertilisers, with different fertilisers names such as urea, ammonium sulphate, and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), are commonly used. These fertilisers supply plants with readily available nitrogen, which is crucial for various physiological processes.

Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth, stimulating the development of lush foliage and robust stems. It also plays a vital role in protein synthesis, leading to enhanced crop quality and yield. By incorporating nitrogenous fertilisers, farmers can effectively address nitrogen deficiencies in the soil and optimize plant nutrition for improved agricultural productivity.

Phosphatic Fertilisers

Phosphorus plays a crucial role in various aspects of plant growth, including root development, flowering, and fruiting. Phosphatic fertilisers, with different fertilisers names such as single superphosphate (SSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), serve as valuable sources of phosphorus for plants. These fertilisers effectively supply plants with the essential nutrient, facilitating optimal seed germination and promoting vigorous root establishment.

By enhancing root growth, phosphatic fertilisers contribute to improved nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Moreover, phosphorus is involved in critical metabolic processes within plants, such as energy transfer and DNA synthesis. Therefore, the application of phosphatic fertilisers helps ensure balanced nutrition, robust plant growth, and increased crop productivity.

Potassic Fertilisers

Potassium, an essential nutrient for plants, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It aids in plant water regulation, ensuring efficient water uptake and minimizing drought stress. Additionally, potassium supports disease resistance mechanisms, strengthening plants against pathogens and pests.

It also contributes to the development of high-quality fruits by enhancing flavour, colour, and shelf life. Potassic fertilisers, such as potassium chloride and potassium sulphate, are commonly used to supply plants with potassium. These fertilisers promote overall plant growth, improve stress tolerance, and positively impact crop yield, making them vital components of balanced fertilization strategies in modern agriculture.

Importance of Fertilisers in Indian Agriculture

Use of fertilisers in agriculture is a common and important practice. Different types of fertilisers play a crucial role in Indian agriculture due to the following reasons:

Increased Crop Yield

Fertilisers play a crucial role in addressing nutrient deficiencies commonly found in Indian soils. These essential nutrients are replenished through the application of fertilisers and the uses of fertilisers stimulate plant growth, boost crop yields, and ultimately contribute to ensuring food security for the ever-growing population. By providing the necessary elements, fertilisers optimize nutrient availability, enabling healthier plants and maximizing agricultural productivity.

Soil Fertility Maintenance

Continuous cultivation and intensive farming practices can deplete nutrients in soils over time. Fertilisers play a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility by replenishing essential nutrients, preventing soil degradation, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. They also contribute to improved soil structure and enhance the soil's capacity to retain nutrients, promoting long-term soil health and productivity.

Crop Nutrient Balance

Due to the varying nutrient requirements of different crops, fertilisers offer a valuable solution. They allow farmers to modify the nutrient composition provided to crops, ensuring a precise and balanced nutrient supply that relates with each crop's specific needs. This customized approach optimizes growth conditions, maximizing crop yield and quality.

Time Efficiency

Inorganic fertilisers play a vital role in providing plants with readily available nutrients, stimulating rapid growth, and shortening crop maturation time. By accelerating plant development, farmers can achieve multiple crop cycles within a shorter duration, leading to a significant boost in agricultural productivity and maximizing land utilization.

Sustainable Agriculture

The utilization of organic fertilisers offers multiple advantages, including reduced dependence on chemical inputs, enhanced soil health, and decreased environmental pollution. Organic agriculture fertilisers support sustainable agriculture by improving soil fertility, minimizing soil erosion, and maintaining a harmonious balance within ecosystems, fostering long-term agricultural viability.

Conclusion

With different types of fertilisers used in agriculture, it is necessary to know them before use, as they provide the necessary nutrients for optimal crop growth and productivity. Organic fertilisers enhance soil health and sustainability, while inorganic fertilisers offer immediate nutrient availability. The sensible use of fertilisers enables farmers to maintain soil fertility, increase crop yields, and ensure food security.

However, there are both advantages and disadvantages of fertilisers and thus it is crucial to adopt balanced and integrated nutrient management practices to minimize environmental impacts and maximize the efficiency of fertilizer and manure used. By embracing a combination of organic and inorganic fertilisers, Indian agriculture can thrive while maintaining long-term sustainability.