The term refers to natural or synthetic substances containing chemical elements that improve soil productivity and promote plant growth. These materials provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often lacking or depleted in soils, enabling increased crop yields. An example includes the widespread use of nitrogen-based compounds derived from industrial processes to enhance grain production.
These soil amendments play a significant role in supporting larger populations by increasing food production per unit of land. Their implementation has been crucial in preventing widespread famine and supporting agricultural intensification, particularly during the Green Revolution. Historically, the shift from traditional methods of soil enrichment, like crop rotation and manure application, to the use of industrially produced nutrients marked a pivotal change in agricultural practices, leading to both significant gains and environmental concerns.
