Fertilizer, natural or artificial substance containing the chemical elements that improve growth and productiveness of plants. Fertilizers improve the natural fertility of the soil or replace chemical elements taken from the soil by previous crops.

Basic nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N),
• Phosphorus (P),
• Potassium (K)

are 3 major essential nutrients that are provided via soil.

Supplementary nutrients:

• Calcium,
• Magnesium
• sulfur

are also essential nutrients, but are required in a moderate amount in the soil.