Why NPK in agriculture is called “three elements of fertilizer�
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Why are NPK fertilizers called the "three essential elements" in agriculture?
In crop growth, more than 90% of the dry matter is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen—elements that plants absorb mainly from air and water. Only about 5% of the nutrients required by crops come from the soil, except in special conditions like drought or flood years. Moreover, crops rarely suffer from a lack of carbon, hydrogen, or oxygen in the field.
However, the nutrients that most significantly affect crop yield are the smaller portion provided by the soil, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Although these three elements are crucial for plant development, the available supply of N, P, and K in the soil is often limited. There is a significant gap between what the soil provides and what the crops need.
Through agricultural practices, it has been proven that to boost crop yields, it is often necessary to use chemical fertilizers to balance this nutrient demand. When farmers apply NPK fertilizers, they usually see a noticeable improvement in production. This is why NPK fertilizers are referred to as the "three essential elements" of fertilizer.
Because of their critical role in crop growth, the Chinese fertilizer industry has always placed high importance on the production and distribution of NPK fertilizers. Their widespread use reflects the practical needs of modern agriculture and the importance of maintaining soil fertility for sustainable food production.