Fertilizer Chemist

A Fertilizer Chemist specializes in the chemical components of fertilizers. As a Fertilizer Chemist, you study existing fertilizers, and work to create new ones that solve problems or offer better results.

Different environments require different traits in a fertilizer. While a lawn in the soggy Pacific Northwest United States might need one type of nourishment, a garden in Australia would need completely different additives. As a Fertilizer Chemist, you work to create blends that work in each of these environments. Higher garden yields, faster growing grass, disease prevention, and weed retardant are all goals.

With these goals in mind, you break apart, research, evaluate, and recreate combination of dirt, nutrients, and chemicals that meet these needs. The results of your labors create lush crops for cattle, commercial or residential garden produce, and convenience for back-yard and mass-production flower Gardeners. In addition, you discover combinations that cost less and/or provide a better quality product.

Your talents and experience also help to make products for very specific purposes. Imagine the all-in-one fertilizer of the old days—manure. While manure had its place, it wasn’t a solution to all fertilizer needs. Consider, for example, a golf course. The greens need to be lush, weed free, and a specific blade size. Chunks of manure don’t fit the bill, so Fertilizer Chemists concocted liquid forms that suit all those needs.

Working to solve these dilemmas requires attention to detail, a creative spirit, and a passion for experimenting. In addition, you need strong research skills and the ability to accurately record processes.