Fertilisers (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Chemistry)
Revision Note
Written by: Caroline Carroll
Reviewed by: Stewart Hird
Fertilisers
NPK fertilisers
NKP fertilisers contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus for improved plant growth
Nitrogen makes chlorophyll and protein and promotes healthy leaves
Potassium promotes growth and healthy fruit and flowers
Phosphorus promotes healthy roots
Fertiliser compounds contain the following water-soluble ions:
Ammonium ions, NH4+ and nitrate ions, NO3-, are sources of soluble nitrogen
Phosphate ions, PO43- are a source of soluble phosphorus
Most common potassium compounds dissolve in water to produce potassium ions, K+
Ammonium salts and nitrate salts are commonly used as fertilisers, including:
Ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3
Ammonium phosphate, (NH4)3PO4
Potassium nitrate, KNO3
Different fertilisers contain different amounts of fertiliser compounds
So, each fertiliser contains different proportions of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You may be asked to select a compound or combination of compounds from a list which would be the most effective as a fertiliser.
Look for the compound or combination of compounds that contain the most elements from nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
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