FertilisersCambridge IGCSE Chemistry: Flashcards

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What two types of compound are commonly used as fertilisers?

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What two types of compound are commonly used as fertilisers?: Ammonium salts and nitrates.
What does NPK stand for in a fertiliser?: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.
What is the purpose of an NPK fertiliser?: To provide the elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for improved plant growth.
How can fertiliser end up in rivers and lakes?: Excess fertiliser applied to fields can run off the land into water sources.
Name two fertiliser-related contaminants found in natural water sources.: Nitrates (from fertilisers) and phosphates (from fertilisers and detergents).
What is the beneficial effect of nitrates and phosphates when applied to soil?: They act as nutrients that improve plant/crop growth.
What is eutrophication?: Excess nutrients in water causing excessive algal/plant growth, which depletes oxygen as it decomposes and kills aquatic organisms.
Why do algae blooms caused by fertiliser run-off eventually kill fish?: As the excess algae die and decompose, decomposing microbes use up dissolved oxygen, leaving too little oxygen for fish and other aquatic life.
Which element in NPK supports root development?: Phosphorus.
Which element in NPK mainly supports leaf and stem growth?: Nitrogen.
Besides fertilisers, what else can contribute phosphates to water?: Detergents.
List three other substances (besides fertiliser run-off) that natural water sources may contain.: Any three of: dissolved oxygen, metal compounds, plastics, sewage, harmful microbes.