What is a fertiliser?

A substance added to soil to supply plants with essential nutrients.

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Why are fertilisers needed in agriculture?

To replace nutrients taken by crops, which are not returned to the soil in harvested or consumed plants and animals.

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What does NPK stand for in fertilisers?

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) - the three main nutrients plants require from soil.

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What is leaching?

Leaching is the process of nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, passing through soil into water bodies.

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Where does most fertiliser run-off come from?

Mostly from agricultural fields, but also from golf courses and gardens.

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How does algae growth affect aquatic plants?

Algae block sunlight, preventing underwater plants from photosynthesising and causing them to die.

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What happens to oxygen levels during eutrophication?

Decomposers use up oxygen while feeding on dead plants, depleting oxygen for other aquatic life.

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What are the stages of eutrophication?

  1. Excess nutrients get washed into rivers and lakes (leaching).
  2. Algae grow and reproduce more quickly due to the extra nutrients.
  3. The algae block sunlight from penetrating the water so plants start to die.
  4. Bacteria digest the dead plants, using up the oxygen.
  5. Animals in the water die due to lack of oxygen.

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