Commercial fertilizers will be key in the fight to feed the growing world. Because fertilizer is the most controllable source of plant nutrients, farmers, through careful selection of nutrient rates, placement, and timing of fertilizer placement, will be able to supply the food plants need at nearly optimum levels to achieve economical and environmental efficiency. Fertilizers protect the environment. The efficient use of fertilizer also helps to conserve the natural environment. With fertilizers and modern high-yield farming practices, more food is produced per acre each year, so land may be conserved.
Fertilizers also help to reduce global warming because they improve plant nutrition.
Through enhanced photosynthesis, healthy crops give off more oxygen, helping to balance the Earth's atmosphere. It has been estimated that U.S.-grown crops release up to 500 million tons of oxygen into the atmosphere each year. Fertilizers enhance consumer products. Thanks to fertilizers, fruits and vegetables are available in affordable abundance, as everyone knows. For example, nitrogen is used to make nitric acid, a major component in batteries, tires, lacquers and paints.