Distinguish between fertilizer and manure. Give suitable examples. What are advantages and disadvantages of using fertilizer ?
Differences between manures and fertilizers:
| Manure | Fertilizer |
|---|---|
| * Natural substance obtained by the decomposition of plant and animal remains by bacteria | * Inorganic substances or compounds |
| * Provides humus to the soil | * Does not provide humus to the soil |
| * Less rich in plant nutrients | * Rich in plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium |
| * Can be prepared in fields | * Prepared in factories |
| * Inconvenient to store and transport | * Easy to store and transport |
| * Absorbed slowly by plants | * Absorbed readily by plants |
| * Example: Green manure | * Example: Urea |
Advantages of artificial fertilizers:
- Nutrient-specific
- Have plant nutrients in concentrated form
- Provide quick replenishment of plant nutrients in soil
- Highly soluble in water
- Easily absorbed by plants
- Easy to store, transport and handle
Disadvantages of excessive use artificial fertilizers:
- Reduce the fertility of soil
- Change the chemical nature of soil
- May cause water pollution through runoff