Fertilizers play a key role in improving the productivity of various crops. Fertilizers contain three primary elements. They are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium(K). They are usually represented on the package as a percentage of their weight i.e. 10-8-6 meaning 10% of N, 8% of P and 6% of K. Formulation percentages vary depending on intended use and desired effects.
Herbicides are substances used to control unwanted plants, commonly known as weeds. They play a crucial role in agriculture by preventing weeds from competing with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. There are two main types of herbicides:
Selective herbicides: Target specific weed species while leaving crops unharmed.
Non-selective herbicides: Kill all plants they come into contact with.
Historically, weed control involved manual methods like tilling and altering soil conditions. The first major breakthrough in chemical herbicides came during World War II with the development of 2,4-D, which allowed for selective weed control in cereal crops.
Modern herbicides are widely used in agriculture, forestry, and even urban landscaping to maintain clear spaces and prevent invasive plant species from spreading. However, their use must be carefully managed to avoid environmental damage and resistance in weeds.
Fungicides are chemical or biological agents used to prevent or eliminate fungal infections in plants, animals, and humans. They play a crucial role in agriculture by protecting crops from diseases caused by fungi, which can significantly reduce yield and quality.
Types of Fungicides:
1. Contact Fungicides: These remain on the surface of plants and prevent fungal spores from germinating.
2. Systemic Fungicides: Absorbed by the plant, these move through its tissues to combat existing infections.
3. Protective Fungicides: Applied before infection occurs to prevent fungal growth.
4. Curative Fungicides: Used after infection to stop the spread of fungi.
Common fungicides include sulfur-based compounds, copper-based solutions, and synthetic chemicals like azoxystrobin and carbendazim. Some organic options, such as neem oil and bicarbonates, are also used in sustainable farming.
Insecticides are a type of pesticide specifically designed to kill or control insect populations. They are widely used in agriculture, public health, and household settings to protect crops, prevent disease transmission, and eliminate pests.
Types of Insecticides:
Contact Insecticides - Kill insects upon direct contact.
Systemic Insecticides - Absorbed by plants and transferred to insects when they feed.
Stomach Poisons - Effective when ingested by insects.
Fumigants - Work through inhalation, often used in enclosed spaces.
Common Chemical Classes:
Organochlorides - Includes DDT, now banned in many countries due to environmental concerns.
Organophosphates - Affect insect nervous systems but can be toxic to humans.
Pyrethroids - Synthetic versions of natural pyrethrins, commonly used in household insecticides.
Neonicotinoids - Systemic insecticides that target sucking pests but have raised concerns about bee populations.
Insecticides play a crucial role in pest management, but their use must be carefully regulated to minimize environmental impact and resistance development in insect populations
Common Name Glyphosate
Chemical Name N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine
Molecular Formula C3H8NO5P
CAS NO 1071-83-6
EINECE NO 213-997-4
Application It is used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops.
