Translation and Meaning of: 肥料 - hiryou

The word 「肥料」(hiryou) is composed of two kanji: 「肥」 and 「料」。The first kanji, 「肥」(hi), carries meanings such as "fat" and "to fertilize". It is often associated with growth and enrichment, tracing its origins to ancient agricultural practices. The second kanji, 「料」(ryou), has the notion of "materials", "fees", or "costs", indicating something that is used or consumed. Therefore, together, these characters form the term for "fertilizer", which is essentially a material used to enrich the soil and promote plant growth.

In agriculture, 「肥料」plays a crucial role by providing nutrients that may not be present in the soil in sufficient quantities. The use of fertilizers can be traced back to ancient times when farmers used manure and other organic waste to improve crop productivity. With advancements in chemistry and agricultural technology, the production of fertilizers has become more sophisticated, allowing for better formulation of specific nutrients for different crops and soils.

In addition to natural fertilizers, there are currently several forms of chemical 「肥料」 available on the market, which are categorized based on the nutrients they provide. These nutrients are generally classified into three main types: macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), micronutrients (such as iron and zinc), and secondary elements (such as calcium and magnesium). Today, agricultural science is constantly developing new methods to increase the efficiency and sustainability of fertilizers, balancing the need to increase agricultural production with environmental protection.

Importance and Environmental Impact

The impact of 「肥料」on agriculture cannot be underestimated, as it helps to increase food productivity that supports growing populations around the globe. However, it is also important to consider the negative consequences of excessive fertilizer use, which can include water pollution and soil degradation. Farmers and scientists have been working together to develop more eco-friendly and efficient fertilization techniques, such as fertigation and the responsible use of controlled-release fertilizers.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 肥培材 (Hibeizai) - Cultivation material or substrate
• 栄養剤 (Eiyōzai) - Nutritional supplement
• 肥料剤 (Hiryōzai) - Fertilizing agent
• 肥料品 (Hiryōhin) - Fertilizer products
• 肥料薬剤 (Hiryōyakuza) - Chemical agent for fertilizers
• 肥料製品 (Hiryōseihin) - Fertilizer derivatives
• 肥料成分 (Hiryōseibun) - Components of fertilizers
• 肥料原料 (Hiryōgenryō) - Raw materials for fertilizers
• 肥料添加物 (Hiryōtenkabutsu) - Fertilizer additives
• 肥料用品 (Hiryōyōhin) - Articles for fertilizer use
• 肥料構成要素 (Hiryōkōsei yōso) - Constituent elements of fertilizers
• 肥料物質 (Hiryōbusshitsu) - Fertilizer substances
• 肥料種類 (Hiryōshurui) - Types of fertilizers
• 肥料配合剤 (Hiryōhaigōzai) - Mixed fertilizers

肥料

Romaji: hiryou
Kana: ひりょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: manure; fertilizer

Meaning in English: manure;fertilizer

Definition: A source of nutrients to help plants grow.