Photosynthesis needs air, water, and light to transform into chemical energy. The key chemical elements in photosynthesis are nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water. The reaction produces glucose and oxygen as byproducts.
Nitrogen helps form the proteins needed for growth and chlorophyll production. Carbon dioxide supplies the carbon atoms used to make carbohydrates, molecules that feed plants and animals alike. And finally, energy-giving sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis to occur.
Grass needs an ample supply of all three elements to grow lush and green. Nitrogen comes from the atmosphere or fertilizer, while carbon dioxide is taken in through leaves like humans take in oxygen. Without enough of these macronutrients, plants won’t get far.
In addition to these major nutrients, grass also requires phosphorus and potassium – both essential elements for a strong root system as well as improved drought tolerance. Iron helps boost cell growth and prevent yellowing, while sulfur aids with chlorophyll formation and allows grass to absorb more energy from sunlight.
Together these chemicals create a process essential for life on earth – photosynthesis – enabling plants to convert sunlight into food, powered by natural reactions that have been around since long before humanity ever existed.