Explain how the use of fertilisers can increase crop yields.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 6.4 Biological challenges of increasing food yields · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Farmers often apply fertilisers to their fields to improve the growth of crop plants and produce larger harvests.

Model answer (4 marks)

Fertilisers supply essential minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that are often lacking in the soil. These minerals, especially nitrogen in the form of nitrates, are required for protein synthesis and the formation of amino acids, which are vital for healthy plant growth. When crops lack sufficient minerals, growth is limited and plants exhibit deficiency symptoms such as stunted growth or yellowing leaves. By providing these nutrients, fertilisers increase the amount of plant growth, leading to greater biomass and a larger harvest yield.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word "fertiliser" and mention key nutrients (N, P, K).
  • Explain the role of nitrogen in protein synthesis.
  • Show the link between nutrient availability, growth and yield.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing fertilisers with pesticides.
  • Failing to mention nitrogen’s role in protein synthesis.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Fertilisers provide/replace minerals (nutrients) in the soil
  2. Nitrates/minerals are needed for healthy plant growth / protein synthesis / making amino acids
  3. Without sufficient minerals/nitrates, plant growth is limited / plants show deficiency symptoms
  4. More minerals available means more plant growth / greater biomass / larger yield

Key terms in this question

fertilisers · crop yield

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