Inorganic (Synthetic) Fertilizers are produced through various industrial processes, often involving the use of mined raw materials or atmospheric gases:
Ammonia Production: Central to many nitrogen-based fertilizers, ammonia is produced using the Haber-Bosch process. This involves combining nitrogen (from the air) and hydrogen (typically from natural gas) at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of a catalyst.
Nitrogen Fertilizers: Urea, a common nitrogen fertilizer, is made by reacting ammonia with carbon dioxide. Other nitrogen fertilizers, like ammonium nitrate, are produced by neutralizing ammonia with nitric acid.
Phosphatic Fertilizers: Often sourced from rock phosphate, which is mined, treated with acid, and then purified. The resultant products can be monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP), depending on the treatment process.
Potassic Fertilizers: Derived from potash, which is mined from naturally occurring mineral deposits. Once mined, potash is refined and processed to produce the final potassium-containing product.

Yet, the list doesn’t end there. Plants also benefit from nutrients like Sulphur (S), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), Chlorine (Cl), Nickel (Ni), and Iodine (I). Some specialized plant species might even seek nutrients like Sodium (Na) and Cobalt (Co) for their well-being.The significance of mineral fertilizers in the realm of agriculture cannot be overstated. They act as a pivotal force in bolstering our food supply, enhancing the yield from a given land parcel. It’s astounding to realize that roughly 50% of the food on our plates owes its existence to the use of these mineral fertilizers.

Organo-mineral Fertilizers combine organic and mineral sources. The production process involves blending the mineral sources, like those mentioned above, with organic matter such as compost or animal manure.

Specialty and Customized Fertilizers can be made by blending various nutrient sources in specific ratios as required. Some might include beneficial microorganisms or be tailored to slow or control the nutrient release rate. Water-soluble fertilizers, for instance, are formulated for easy dissolution in water.