What does fertilizer application involve?

Fertilizer application primarily involves the addition of essential nutrients to the soil to enhance crop growth and productivity. Plants require various nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, among others, to grow optimally. When fertilizers are applied, they provide these nutrients in bioavailable forms, which plants can readily absorb through their root systems. This process is critical for ensuring that crops have the necessary nourishment to achieve their full potential in terms of yield and quality.

The other options focus on aspects of soil management or pest control that, while important to agricultural practices, do not specifically relate to fertilization. For example, the removal of pollutants from soil addresses soil health but does not involve adding nutrients. Reducing soil acidity is relevant to creating an optimal pH for nutrient availability but is not directly about nutrient addition. Controlling pest populations pertains to protecting crops from harmful organisms rather than enhancing soil nutrition. Thus, focusing on the role of fertilizers in supplying nutrients highlights their essential contribution to successful farming.