Abstract

Consumers society, in order to meet the growing need for food, agricultural land
per unit area required to achieve maximum efficiency and highest quality product.
It is known that the nutrition of the plant is the one of the most important factors
to control agricultural productivity and quality. Rates of nutrients in the soil affects
the quality of yield. In the permanent agricultural land, the soil will be very poor in
nutrients, as a result, inefficient. Therefore, producers, fertilise the soil, combat
pests, irrigation and process of agricultural activities to make more efficient to soil.
Fertilisation among these activities remains a priority at all timer Fertilizers are
additional substances supplied to the crops to increase their productivity. These are
used by the farmers daily to increase the crop yield. These fertilizers contain
essential nutrients required by the plants, including nitrogen, potassium, and
phosphorus.
Plants need to be fertilized because most soil does not always provide essential
nutrients required for optimum growth. Even if the person is lucky enough to start
with great garden soil, as your plants grow, they absorb nutrients and leave the
soil less fertile. Nutrients in the soil also help plants grow strong. Some nutrients
that plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and
sulfur.

Organic fertilizer :
refers to materials used as fertilizer that occur regularly in nature. Organic fertilizers
such as manure have been used in agriculture for thousands of years; ancient
farmers did not understand the chemistry involved, but they did recognize the
benefit of providing their crops with organic material. Interest in organic farming is
growing worldwide as sustainable agricultural practice nowadays. Organic fertilizers
are sustained sources of nutrients due to slow release during decomposition
Organic fertilizers enhance the natural soil processes, which have long-term effects
on soil fertility. Organically derived fertilizers typically have a lower NPK analysis
(nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) than synthetics fertilizers, but they feed plants
for a much longer period of time. As a result, the impact of organic fertilizers on
lawn and plants is usually more subtle. It may take a little longer to see results, but
the reward is a lawn that stays greener longer.

Artificial fertilisers:
are manufactured from petrol or natural gas. They can contain a wide variety of
nutrients including nitrates, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Use of
fertilizers, especially, the chemical fertilizers has brought in blessings on humanity,
which helped contain hunger and death in different corners of the world. Though
chemical fertilizers increase crop production; their overuse has hardened the soil,
decreased fertility, strengthened pesticides, polluted air and water, and released
greenhouse gases, thereby bringing hazards to human health and environment as
well. Synthetic fertilizers give plants a quick boost but do little to stimulate soil life,
improve soil texture, or improve your soil's long-term fertility. They’re highly
water-soluble and can leach into waterways. The quick results of synthetic
fertilizers can come at a cost; apply too much and it may burn your lawn and
plants
THEORY
Introduction
Fertilizers, also known as food elements, are materials produced to supply these
elements in a readily available form of plant use. It helps to make plants grow faster
which helps some farmers and gardeners for their business. Choosing the right
fertilizer helps us to get everything we need from the plants we eat or from the meat
of animals that eat plants. Plants are factories that do all the work to process the
basic elements of life and make them available to us.
Fertilizers help feed the world. The FARO has stated that “after land and water,
fertilizers are probably the most important input leading to increased yields”. It is
inherently difficult to estimate the share of fertilizers in increasing agricultural
output since so many factors are involved. It has been estimated that fertilizer
contributes about 40% of the nitrogen in human protein consumption, it follows
that nearly one third of this protein depends on fertilizers. Therefore, it is important
for us to know which fertilizers to use for us to sustain properly the needs of every
plant.
Increased crop production largely relies on the type of fertilizers used to supplement
essential nutrients for plants. Fertilizer application is required to replace crop land
nutrients that have been consumed by previous plant growth with the goal of
maximizing productivity and economic returns. Nowadays, there is increased
emphasis on the impact on soil environment due to continuous use of chemical
fertilizers. The impact of chemical fertilizer application on agricultural land is seen
not only in terms of the soil quality but also on the survival of soil organisms dwelling
there in.
Chemical fertilizers provide three major plant nutrients; nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium or NPK. However, the ever-increasing cost of commercial fertilizer
products driven, in part, by the inevitable depletion of global phosphorus, is forcing
producers to look for alternative sources like bio-fertilizers and other organically
based solutions.
In literature, some researchers have concluded the chemical fertilizers to be harmful
for soil organisms but on the contradictory, they have been supported too to be
beneficial as far as their food supply is concerned. The primary advantages of using
biosolids as a fertilizer alternative are cost efficiencies and the presence of nutrients
and organic matter. Returning these valuable materials back to the soil is a critical
element in long-term sustainability.
Aim:
This research aims to compare between artificial/synthetic fertilizers and natural
fertilizers, by studying the effects and impact of these fertilizers in the soil.
Specifically, the project sought to answer the following questions
• How do the researchers determine the effectively of these product?
• What are advantages and disadvantages of using these fertilizers?
• Which fertilizer will make plants grow faster and healthier?
• Which fertilizer is better and safer to use: artificial fertilizer or natural fertilizer
Hypothesis:
The efficency of both the fertilizers will be tested on two different plants (plant a
and plant b)
the possible hypothesis may be that, with the increased use in artificial fertilizers
initial plant growth is seen on a phenomenal scale, however in the long term run
the continuous use of artificial fertilizers can cause root burn or fertilizer burn, as
chemical fertilizers do not allow enough water intake for the plants. As already
said; chemical fertilizers are high in nitrogen salts, and when the nitrogen is
absorbed by soil too quickly; it will dehydrate and dry up the plant.

Significance of the Study

The study is beneficial to:
1. Farmers and gardeners-
The benefit of this study will help them to improve the quality of their products,
save time with their work, and get a higher profit.
2. Environment-
The benefit of this study will help our environment by helping the soil and plants to
sustain their needs and provide the essential nutrients required for optimum
growth.
3. Agricultural company-
The benefit of this study will help them to give a good service to their customers by
giving them a high and good quality product (ex: rice, vegetables, and fruits)
4. Community-
The benefit of this study will help the community to sense this as a source of income
if made into a business.
Definition of Terms
The following technical terms are defined in this study:

• Nitrogen- tasteless odorless gaseous chemical element

• Phosphorus- poisonous waxy chemical element
• Potassium- silver white metallic chemical element
• Calcium- a soft gray alkaline earth metal, fifth most abundant element by mass in
the earth’s crust.
• Sulfur- an abundant, multivalent non-metal
• Citrus Sinensis- the scientific name of sweet oranges. It is what most consumers
commonly buy.
Experimentation
The research was aimed to help the community to be aware of the importance of
fertilizers and to give them the information in which fertilizer to use for their plants.
Books, internet, and other references materials were used as the primary sources
of information to strengthen the researchers’ view on this topic. But these were not
enough, so experiments were conducted by the researchers to gain additional
information.

Materials:
• Pot A and Pot B
• Good quality of soil
• Seeds to be use (any kind of plant: pechay)
• Water
• Sunlight
• Branded Fertilizer
• Orange peeling

Procedure:
1. Sow seeds thinly on shallow furrows across the seed pot, and cover lightly with
fine topsoil. Do not broadcast seeds when sowing to avoid thick germination in one
place.
2. Water the seed pot daily. Watering and other cultural management practices
should be regularly done.
3. Apply liberal amount of fertilizer (Citrus Sensis Peeling for pot A and branded
fertilizer for pot B) at the base of the plants, then cover lightly with soil and water
immediately.

4. Water the plant whenever necessary or depending on your own judgment or

observation of the plant.
5. Always remember to give both pots a presence of sunlight for their process of
growing.
6. Every week, measure the height of both plants.
Observation:
As long as the researchers followed the procedures, success of experimentation will
be achieved. Factors such as sunlight could affect the study. In addition, if this is not
available, it is possible that this study could fail. As far as the study is evaluated for
a fixed duration of time for both the plants, an increase growth can be seen in pot
b (planted with synthetic branded fertilizer)
chemical fertilizers make plants grow faster Chemical fertilizers are water soluble,
so plant have no choice but to take in more and more, and become thirstier and
thirstier, so they grow very large and swollen. Compost, or other whole, organic
fertilizer (here, citrus peel) allows the plants to take in what they need from the
soil, including all the micronutrients that are essential to growing healthy (and
nutritious) plants. The plants are not large and bloated, nor do they grow
intensively, but are healthier plants.
It was also observed that most of the water soluble chemical fertilizers wash away
into water bodies once it rains, on the contatrary since less of the nutrients are
water soluble in whole fertilizers such as well-rotted compost, one isn’t losing
fertility every time it rains, and the rivers, lakes and oceans aren’t getting swamped
with the excess nitrogen, which causes algae to bloom, depriving the water of
oxygen, thus creating “dead zones” where fish and other aquatic life can’t survive.
Analysis of Fertilizers
Elements:
>NITROGEN:
Major fertilizers containing N:
(a) Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3)
(b) Potassium nitrate (KNO3)
(c) Urea (NH2CONH2)
(d) Ammonium sulphate [(NH4)2SO4]
Preparation:
Most nitrogen fertilizers are obtained from synthetic NH3. This chemical compound
is used as gas or in water solution or it is converted to salts.
Nitrogen Deficiencies;
(a) Pale, green, yellow leaves
(b) Stunted growth
Nitrogen in Excess -
(a) Lower disease resistance
(b) Weaken stem
(c) Decay maturity
(d) Lower fruit quality

>PHOSPHORUS:
Major fertilizers containing P:
(a)DAP – Diammonium phosphate [(NH4)2PO4]
(b)Ca3(PO4)2 – Calcium phosphate
(c)Triple phosphate and super phosphate

Preparation:
Most phosphoric fertilizers are obtained by the treatment of calcium phosphate
with H2SO4 and phosphoric fertilizers. Calcium phosphate is mainly derived from
phosphate rock and bones. Phosphate rock is found in deposits of sedimentary
origin laid down on beds of ocean floor.
Phosphorus deficiencies –
(a) Pale purple colour on the underside of leaves
(b) Reduced flower, fruits and seed production
Advantages of P:
1. Encourage cell division
2. Hastens maturity, offsetting quick growth caused by N
3. Encourage root growth
4. Increase disease resistance
Phosphorous in excess
1. Causes dehydration of roots
2. Increase soluble salt content of medium
>POTASSIUM:
Major fertilizers containining K:
1. Potassium chloride (Potash)
2. Potassium nitrate (KNO3)
Preparation:
It is the seventh most abundant element found in earth’s crust. Potassium chloride
which is principal commercial form of potash and some KNO3 is also used for
production of potash fertilizer.
Potassium deficiencies:
1. Leaves appear dry and scorched
2. Irregular yellow areas on the surface
Advantages of K:
1. Increase disease resistance
2. Encourage healthy root and stems
3. Essential for starch formation
4. Efficient use of CO2
Potassium in excess
1. Affects soil acidity
2. Reduced flower, fruit and seed production
Comparison of Organic (natural) vs. Synthetic (chemical) Fertilizers

Quality Organic (natural) Synthetic (chemical)

Purchasing Convenience • Depending on the type of • Synthetic fertilizers are most

organic fertilizer used, it can
be more expensive than
synthetic fertilizers.
• Available bag sizes aren’t large
or economical enough for
homeowners.
commonly used, readily
available, available in greater
amounts, and generally, cost
effective.
• Controlled-release pellets are
more expensive.
Ease of Application • Some organic fertilizers are in
their “raw” form, not pellets,
and may take extra effort to
distribute over large areas.
• Generally, no harm will result
from over application or spills.
• Use a fertilizer spreader
according to manufacturer
rates.
• Accidental over application,
including overlapping rows
when fertilizing, can cause
lawns to burn.

Nutrients • Natural-based fertilizer • Nutrient amounts are highly

nutrients can fluctuate.
• Micronutrients are typically
present, providing some of the
trace nutrients plants require.
accurate.
• Blends can be formulated for
specific needs.
• High nutrient concentrations
may build-up in the soil, which
may lead to leaching and run-
off.
• Generally, don’t contain
necessary micronutrients.

Conclusion
Today, use of fertilizers is seen as a necessary agricultural technology. Because
soilcan restores nutrients. However, firstly soil analysis should be performed
carefully. After then, fertilizer should be given to soil. The structure and chemical
content of the soil should be identified and the most appropriate type of fertilizers
should be selected. The most suitable method should be processed. Otherwise, the
fertilizer should be noted that errors will result in the loss of both energy and
finance. Fertilizing should be done in time, should not be inappropriate times. For
example a heavy rainfall to the seasons, fertilization, and fertilizers water will mix
with the surrounding soil by leaching. For this reason, fertilizer will be lost from soil,
as well as pollution of surrounding water and therefore it will result in
eutrophication. Water caused by chemical fertilizers is the most effective way to
prevent eutrophication, especially in the form of phosphorus flow will stop. In
addition, sedimentation, nutrients, dilution, pressure water application, filtration,
water algisite or herbicides, such as the addition of some physical and chemical
methods can be effective

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
The following websites were referred in the completion of this project:
• 1. google.com
• 2. wikipedia.org
• 3. vlib.us
• 4. toppersarena.com
• 5. jmooneyham.com
• 6. ianrpubs.unl.edu
• 7.www.milorganite.com
• 8.https://acadpubl.eu/
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My Sincere efforts have made me to accomplish the task of completing this project.
I have taken effort in this project. However, it would not have been possible without
the kind support and help of many individuals. I would like to express my sincere
gratitude to my Principal Mr.Henry David and the school for giving me this
opportunity to do my project. I am highly indebted to my Chemisrty Teacher
Mrs.Susana for her valuable guidance which has promoted my efforts in all the
stages of this project work. My thanks and appreciation go to my classmates and
friend in developing my project and to the people who have willingly helped me out
with their abilities. Finally, words are not sufficient to express gratitude my
cherished family members for supporting me without their encouragement and
support I would have not reached this stage.
 INDEX
1. ABSTRACT
>Organic fertilizers
>Inorganic fertilizers
2. THEORY
>Introduction
>Aim
>Hypothesis
3.Significance of study
4.Defination of terms
5.Experimentation
6.Analysis of fertilizers
7.Tabulated comparison between organic and inorganic fertilizers
8.conclusion
9.bibliography
 CERTIFICATE:

This is to certify that, this Chemisty Investigatory Project on the topic

“____________________” has been successfully completed and submitted
by___________________________ of class XII____ under the guidance of Mr /
Mrs. _________________ at Alpha Wisdom Vidhyashram, Trichy for the partial
fulfillment of Biology Practical in the curriculum of CBSE, New Delhi for the
academic year 2023 - 2024.

Teacher in-charge Signature of External Examiner

Signature of Internal Examiner Signature of the Principal