What is fertilizer?

Fertilizer is a substance or mixture of substances that is added to soil or plants to provide essential nutrients that are necessary for their growth and development. It is used to enhance soil fertility and improve plant health by supplying nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other essential elements like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Fertilizers can be organic, derived from natural sources like animal manure or compost, or synthetic, manufactured through chemical processes. They are commonly applied to agricultural crops, gardens, lawns, and other plants to promote healthy growth and increase yields.