(豆科植物).docVIP

Chapter 31 Nitrogenous Fertilizers 31.1 Why need fertilizers? Plants as fundamental food source We eat a variety of plants directly. These are mainly crops, including cereals (e.g. wheat, rice), vegetables and fruits. We also need livestock and poultry for their meat, milk and eggs. These animals feed on grass or cereals. So in this way, we are eating plants indirectly. B. More food for ever-growing population Today, there are over 6 billion people on the Earth. It has been estimated that about 10% of the world population are starving. The ever-growing population needs more and more food What plants need from soil Nutrient Importance to plant growth Effects of shortage Nitrogen Essential for synthesis of proteins and chlorophyll Needed for strong, healthy stems and leaves Poor growth Small and yellow leaves Phosphorus Needed to produce a good root system Essential for formation of seeds Poor root development Plant grows slowly Small seeds Small fruits Potassium Needed for the production of flowers and fruits. Increases plant’s resistance to deceases and poor weather Seldom flowering Small fruits Plant dies easily in poor conditions Essential elements for plants Plants obtain carbon from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Plants obtain hydrogen and oxygen from water. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) are three major elements needed for plant growth. Absence of NPK would slow down growth or even cause death of plants. Plants take NPK from soil. Fertilizers are added to soil to replenish(補充) NPK for plant growth. Lightning causes nitrogen and oxygen in air to react to form nitrogen oxides. These eventually change to nitric acid and then nitrates in soil. Some bacteria can change nitrogen into nitrates. They usually live in root nodules in plants such as peas and beans. Summary 1. Plants are fundamental food source for human beings. Fertilizers can increase agricultural yield and improve quality of crops to meet the demand for the demand for the ever gro