Fertilizer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌱
fertilizer
[ˈfɜːrtəlaɪzər ]
Definition
agriculture
A substance that is added to soil to help plants grow. Fertilizers typically contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
fertilizer |
Use 'fertilizer' when referring to a substance that is added to soil to help plants grow. It is a general term and can include both chemical and organic products.
|
plant food |
Use 'plant food' when referring to a nutrient-rich mixture specifically formulated to support plant growth. This term is often used in a more consumer-friendly and informal context, especially for houseplants.
|
manure |
Use 'manure' when referring to animal dung used for fertilizing land. It is usually from farm animals like cows, horses, or chickens. It can come across as less refined and can have a negative connotation due to its smell.
|
compost |
Use 'compost' when referring to decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer. It is typically made from household waste like vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and leaves.
|
Examples of usage
- Farmers use fertilizer to improve crop yields.
- The use of organic fertilizers is becoming more popular among environmentally conscious gardeners.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'fertilizer'
The concept of using fertilizers to improve plant growth dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who used animal manure to enhance soil fertility. The modern understanding of fertilizers and their chemical compositions developed in the 19th century with the discovery of the role of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in plant nutrition.
See also: fertileness, fertility, fertilization, fertilize, infertile, infertility.