What are chemicals added to soil to enhance nutrient content for plants?

Fertilizers are substances specifically designed to enhance the nutrient content of soil, thereby promoting plant growth and improving crop yield. They typically contain essential macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients that plants require for various physiological processes. When applied to soil, fertilizers help replenish nutrients that may be depleted over time due to plant uptake, leaching, or erosion.

In contrast, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides serve different purposes. Herbicides are aimed at controlling unwanted plants or weeds, insecticides are used to manage insect pests, and pesticides broadly target various pests, including fungi and bacteria. While these substances can contribute to overall agricultural productivity, they do not enhance the nutrient content of soil directly, which is the primary function of fertilizers.