Name: Chemicals in Food
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 7 min 9 s
Description: Different types of chemicals are added to our food for several purposes. Be it for preservation or to enhance the taste. But how do we decide which additive...

Question

Explain in brief the importance of chemistry in agriculture and production of various products.

Accepted Answer

Chemistry has helped agriculture in various ways through the use of chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides, etc. Fertilisers are chemical compounds added to the soil to improve the fertility of the soil and increase crop productivity. For example, urea is an important source of nitrogen. NPK fertilisers supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil. Fertilisers also improve the soil's water retention capacity. Pesticides are chemicals added to the soil, to kill pests. They include herbicides, insecticides, termiticides, etc. They protect the plants from weeds, fungi and insects.

The knowledge of chemistry has initiated the production of various products. For example:
1. Food – refined oils, butter, cheese, etc., are obtained through chemical reactions.
2. Construction – mortar, cement, glass, etc., are various chemical compounds.
3. Daily usage – paints, dyes, perfumes, paper, ink, etc., involve chemical reactions.
4. Petroleum – petrol, kerosene and diesel oil, etc., are products obtained from petroleum.

Explain in brief the importance of chemistry in agriculture and production of various products.

Important Questions on Introduction to Chemistry

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