Distinguish between fertilizer and manure. Give suitable examples . What are advantages and disadvantages of using fertilizer ?

Differences between manures and fertilizers:

Manure	Fertilizer
Natural substance obtained by the decomposition of plant and animal remains by bacteria	Inorganic substances or compounds
Provides humus to the soil	Does not provide humus to the soil
Less rich in plant nutrients	Rich in plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
Can be prepared in fields	Prepared in factories
Inconvenient to store and transport	Easy to store and transport
Absorbed slowly by plants	Absorbed readily by plants
Example: Green manure	Example: Urea

Advantages of artificial fertilizers:

• Nutrient-specific
• Have plant nutrients in concentrated form
• Provide quick replenishment of plant nutrients in soil
• Highly soluble in water
• Easily absorbed by plants
• Easy to store, transport and handle

Disadvantages of excessive use artificial fertilizers:

• Reduce the fertility of soil
• Change the chemical nature of soil
• May cause water pollution through runoff