Fertilization

Fertilizers are compounds that are applied to the soil to supply an extra input of one or several nutrients. Fertilizers are used to increase the concentration of certain nutrients in the soil in order to increase the production of crops.

Fertilizers can be natural (manure) or human-made, and have been used by humans for centuries. The prolonged and constant use of fertilizers for extended periods of time has also caused some environmental problems in human history. The addition of fertilizer may interfere with the natural cycle of elements and cause a (if uncontrolled) eutrophication phenomena in surrounding masses of water.

Before using fertilizers in big expanse of fields, it is first necessary to assess the impact of this fertilization on the nutrients cycle and the possible effect on the surroundings. One possible way to do this is to do a pilot experiment and analyze the nutrients cycle before and after adding the fertilizer.