The Inventor of Chemical Fertilizer Justus von Liebig

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Plants grow naturally on Earth in the presence of water. Useful grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and spices originally grew on their own. As human civilization developed, people began farming these useful plants. While plants get enough natural nourishment from the soil, to get a bigger harvest, more water and fertilizer are needed. The main nourishment for plants comes from organic substances containing nitrogen. Animal dung, waste, carcasses, and decayed plants mix into the ground and turn into natural fertilizer over time. Earthworms and other insects also play an important role in this process. To get even better crops, scientists invented artificial (chemical) fertilizer. This invention is a blessing, as it helps provide enough food for the rapidly growing population.

The German scientist Justus von Liebig played the most important role in the discovery of chemical fertilizer. He is known as the "Father of this field." He was born on May 12, 1803, in Darmstadt, Germany. Coming from a modest family, he was interested in chemistry since childhood. After studying at Bonn University and working in laboratories in Paris, he started his career as a professor at Giessen University. He invented a five-bulb device to analyze organic substances and made the revolutionary discovery of making chemical fertilizer from nitrogen. He passed away on April 18, 1873.