# Explain how the use of fertilisers can increase crop yields.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 6.4 Biological challenges of increasing food yields · Explain · 4 marks

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

## 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

- [fertilisers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fertilisers)
- [crop yield](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/crop-yield)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-use-of-fertilisers-c46c02c1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.