Inorganic fertilizer on crop grow

Introduction

The increase in population and the need for cultivating the same amount of land year after year lead to the reduction in soil nutrients that are removed by plants and the reduction of soil fertility as a consequence. In the classic form we define soil fertility as the capacity of the soil to satisfy the nutritional needs of plants in quantities and adequate proportions (Porta et al., 2010; Malavolta, 2006; van Raij, 2011; IPNI, 2010).

Importance of inorganic fertilizer for crop grow

Many countries in tropical and subtropical zones of Africa and Mozambique in particular have old soils. These are poor soils in terms of nutrients, rich in residual elements (poorly soluble), acidic of low fertility (Chesworth, 1992; Macias-Vazquez, 2002). The technologies for fertilizer use are fundamental to make these soils productive and in turn increase agricultural productivity. These soils will be productive only with fertilizer application in a sustainable manner, use of integrated soil fertility management techniques, conservation agriculture, use of organic fertilizers and green manure, recycling of residues with potential for fertilizer always accompanied with good agricultural practices (crop rotation intercropping crop cover or mulching). 

Fertilizer is any natural or synthetic substance that contains one or more recognized nutrients applied in the soil or on a plant that is meant to promote the growth of the plant. This can be organic (biofertilizer), inorganic combined, etc. The inorganic or mineral is produced through a chemical process and/or derived from an inorganic or synthetic substance. On the other hand corrective is an inorganic compost composed of calcium carbonate (or magnesium) or sulfur used to neutralize the acidity (and supply calcium and magnesium to the plants) or alkalinity of the soil respectively (Regulations for Fertilizer Management, 2013). 

The technology for the use of mineral fertilizers is essential and more adequate for the increase of agricultural production and productivity. Long time ago, some farmers were frustrated with use of fertilizers as the recommendations on fertilizers were not adapted enough to their specific conditions (Fairhurst, 2012). Several studies revealed that the use of fertilizers (and correctives), improved seed and irrigation can result in significant gains on yields. It has also been demonstrated that fertilizers have the potential as powerful tool to increase productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. On the other hand, the agronomic and ecological aspects of fertilizer use can be eliminated through the combination of use with organic inputs (ex.: compost, organic fertilizers, green manure, etc.) and the locally available resources such as phosphoric and calcareous rocks. The inorganic fertilizers can be categorized in terms of their content of essential nutrients. The essential or macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) or micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, etc.) can be supplied to the plant through the use of fertilizers.