Chemical fertilizers are not just about the application of toxic chemicals onto the soil. Chemical fertilizers are more of a quick-fix – they may seem effective only at first, then they end up depleting your soil and creating a cycle of dependency. Chemical fertilizers make your plants produce – they can also be harsh, unforgiving, wasteful and lacking some nutrients that your plants need. Chemical fertilizers focusing only on N, P and K create mineral deficiencies to the detriment of the soil. Chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers show their nutrient content with three bold numbers on the package. Chemical fertilizers provide one of several techniques directly transferred from modern farming to gardening. Chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen and phosphorus ones are a serious form of pollution, as the excess leaches into lakes, rivers and the water table. Chemical fertilizers are salts, manufactured from coal or natural gas, which are non-renewable resources. Chemical fertilizers provide an “empty” type of food directly to the plants. Chemical fertilizers are designed to meet those needs.