Why do plants need fertilizers – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium? 0 10

1. Nitrogen is a key component of the green pigment in leaves known as chlorophyll. It allows plants to use solar energy to synthesize vital compounds such as proteins, fats, starches, sugars, vitamins, and other substances. Nitrogen also promotes plant growth and is considered one of the main elements of their nutrition.

2. Phosphorus, like nitrogen, is one of the most important nutrients for plants. When it is deficient, leaves become smaller, fall prematurely, and fruit ripening is slowed down. Phosphorus contributes to an increase in the sugar and ascorbic acid content in fruits. Various amounts of phosphorus can accumulate in the soil, and its level can be determined in agrochemical laboratories.

3. A deficiency of potassium leads to poor plant development, leaf and fruit drop. Even if fruits ripen, they may be of low quality and poorly stored. Like phosphorus, potassium positively affects the accumulation of sugars and vitamin C in vegetables, berries, and fruits, and also increases plants' resistance to fungal diseases.