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. Chances are, the soda you drink contains phosphoric acid, derived from phosphate, and your favorite bath soap contains potash.