Why do farmers add fertilizers to the soil

India is an agricultural country. More than 50% of Indians depend on farming for their livelihood. But every farmer knows that good soil alone is not enough to get a high crop yield. One very important thing that helps crops grow better is fertilizer.

But why do farmers add fertilizers to the soil? Is it necessary? What happens if fertilizers are not used? In this blog, we will explore about it.

What is Fertilizer?

just like food gives the human body strength, fertilizer provides the soil with nourishment. Agriculture crops use the nutrients (food) in the soil to grow.  the soil eventually becomes weak and exhausted.Farmers apply fertilizers to restore the soil's strength. 

These fertilizers contain important nutrients like:

• Nitrogen (N) – helps green leaves grow
• Phosphorus (P) – helps roots grow strong
• Potassium (K) – improves flower, fruit, and grain quality

Fertilizer is food for the soil, and soil is food for the plants.

Why Do Farmers Add Fertilizers to the Soil?

Now that we understand what fertilizers are, let's look at Why Do Farmers Add Fertilizers to the Soil in Indian agriculture.

1. To provide reduced nutrients

The crops remove nutrients from the soil after each harvest. The soil gradually loses its fertility. The purpose of fertilizers is to restore consumed nutrients and maintain soil fertility for subsequent crops.

2. To Use Less Areas to Grow More Crops

In India, the majority of farmers own modest amounts of land. They must cultivate more crops on that land in order to increase their revenue. More harvest results from fertilizers' ability to help plants grow larger, faster, and healthier.

3. To Create Healthy and Rich Soil

Not all land is suitable for farming. Some soils are deficient in one or more nutrients. Fertilizers enhance the soil's quality and suitability for crop growth. We refer to this as boosting soil fertility.

4. To Reduce Time and Obtain Faster Results

Farmers can grow crops faster with the correct fertilizer. As a result, they can now grow two or three crops annually rather than just one. It also saves time and money.

5. To Make Agriculture Sustainable and Modern

Many innovative and environmentally friendly fertilizers are now in the market. In addition to aiding in crop growth, these fertilizers keep the environment and guarantee the soil is suitable for future use.

Types of fertilizers used in agriculture

Let’s now understand the main types of fertilizers farmers use:

A. Chemical Fertilizers – Fast-Acting Nutrition for Crops

amounts to specific nutrients, such as potassium, phosphorus, or nitrogen. Many Indian farmers use these because they are quick to work, easy to apply, and quickly boost crop growth. To avoid damaging the environment and soil, they should be used carefully.

These contain reliable nutrients and are manufactured in factories.

• Urea – gives nitrogen
• DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) – gives nitrogen + phosphorus
• MOP (Muriate of Potash) – gives potassium

B. Organic Fertilizers – Natural and Safe for Long-Term Soil Health

Soil, compost, plant remains, and food waste are examples of natural materials used to make organic fertilizers. There are no hazardous substances in them. These fertilizers are useful for the lands long-term fertility and are used to slowly restore soil health.

They function by providing nourishment to the soil as well as the plants. Organic fertilizers strengthen the soil's structure, boost its ability to retain water, and contribute to the growth of beneficial bacteria. 

Compost – Decomposed kitchen or farm waste; adds nutrients and improves soil texture

Cow dung manure – Traditional and easily available in villages; adds organic matter

Vermicompost – Made using earthworms; rich in nutrients and boosts plant growth

Green manure – Plants like moong or dhaincha grown and ploughed into the soil to add nitrogen

 

C. Bio-Fertilizers – Living Helpers for Your Soil

 

Live microorganisms (plants, fungi, and bacteria) are used to make bio-fertilizers, to help plants in naturally obtaining nutrients from the soil or environment. Unlike chemical fertilizers, they enhance the plant's capacity to absorb nutrients rather than directly adding them.

 

In India, they are increasingly being used in organic and environmentally friendly agriculture and are particularly helpful for preserving soil biodiversity.

 

Rhizobium – Helps legume crops (like moong, urad) fix nitrogen from the air 

Azospirillum & Azotobacter – Useful for cereal crops like wheat, rice, and maize

Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) – Make phosphorus available to plants

Blue-Green Algae (BGA) – Used in paddy fields to fix nitrogen naturally

Importance of fertilizers in agriculture

 1. Better Plant Growth

Fertilizers give essential nutrients that help plants grow strong from the roots to the leaves. Crops look greener, taller, and healthier  which means they are developing well.

2. Higher Crop Yield

Healthy plants produce more. Fertilizers increase the number of grains, fruits, or vegetables harvested from each acre. This means more output from the same land.

3. Stronger Against Pests and Diseases

Well-nourished plants are better at fighting pests, insects, and crop diseases. Fertilizers make plants naturally stronger, reducing crop loss and damage.

4. Better Quality Produce

Fertilizers improve the taste, size, and appearance of produce. This matters a lot in markets, where bigger and healthier crops get better prices.

 5. More Profit for the Farmer

When crops grow better, yield more, and sell at a good rate  your total income goes up. Fertilizers help turn effort into better profits, season after season.

 

Are There Any Risks of Using Fertilizers in agriculture

While fertilizers offer many benefits for crop growth and income, improper use can lead to problems both for the soil and for the farmer. It's important to understand the side effects of fertilizers and how to avoid them through safe and smart usage.

1. Soil Damage from Overuse

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can harm the soil by reducing its natural fertility. It may lead to soil hardening, nutrient imbalance, and long-term degradation.

2. Water Pollution

When fertilizers are over-applied, they can wash off into nearby rivers, ponds, or groundwater. This leads to water pollution and harms fish, animals, and even human health.

3. Health Hazards to Farmers

Some chemical fertilizers can cause skin irritation, breathing issues, or other health problems if handled without proper protection.

4. Harm to Soil Microorganisms

Natural microbes in the soil help plants grow. Overusing synthetic fertilizers can kill these helpful organisms, affecting the soil’s ability to support crops in the long term.

How to Use Fertilizers 

 

Test the Soil First Know what your soil needs

1. Choose Based on Crop – Each crop needs different nutrients
2. Use a Mix – Combine compost with chemical fertilizers
3. Follow the 4Rs:
   • Right Type
   • Right Dose
   • Right Time
   • Right Place
4. Get Expert Advice – Talk to agricultural officers or suppliers like SV Agro Solution.

To grow good crops, the soil must be healthy. And to keep soil healthy, fertilizers are essential. They give strength to the soil, help plants grow faster, and improve the farmer’s income.

But remember using fertilizer carefully is most important , too little or too much of anything is bad. Always use fertilizers smartly and sustainably.

For the best fertilizers, expert tips, and farming products, trust SV Agro Solutions  helping Indian farmers grow better, together.