ANS:B - complex

In the context of fertilizers, the term "complex" refers to fertilizers that contain multiple nutrients in various chemical forms. Complex fertilizers are designed to provide a balanced combination of essential nutrients to plants, typically including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often referred to as NPK fertilizers. Here's an explanation of complex fertilizers:

1. Composition: Complex fertilizers contain a mixture of different nutrient compounds, often in granular or pelletized form. These compounds may include various forms of nitrogen, such as urea, ammonium nitrate, or ammonium sulfate, as well as phosphorus sources like phosphate rock, superphosphate, or monoammonium phosphate, and potassium sources such as potassium chloride or potassium sulfate.
2. Multiple Nutrients: The term "complex" emphasizes the presence of multiple nutrients in the fertilizer product. This allows for a balanced supply of nutrients to meet the specific requirements of different crops and soil types. Complex fertilizers provide a convenient way to apply multiple nutrients simultaneously, reducing the need for separate applications of individual fertilizers.
3. Nutrient Release: Complex fertilizers may release nutrients at different rates depending on their chemical composition and formulation. Some nutrients may be water-soluble and readily available to plants upon application, while others may require microbial or chemical processes in the soil to become accessible to plant roots over time.
4. Customized Formulations: Manufacturers can tailor complex fertilizer formulations to meet the specific nutrient requirements of different crops and growing conditions. This allows for flexibility in nutrient management and enables growers to address deficiencies or imbalances in soil fertility more effectively.
5. Benefits: Complex fertilizers offer several advantages, including:
   • Convenience: They provide a single product that delivers multiple nutrients, simplifying fertilizer application and reducing handling and storage costs.
   • Balanced Nutrition: Complex fertilizers ensure a balanced supply of essential nutrients, promoting healthy plant growth, improved yield, and better crop quality.
   • Efficiency: By supplying multiple nutrients in one application, complex fertilizers help optimize nutrient uptake by plants and minimize nutrient losses to the environment.