- Farmers use fertilizer to help plants grow big.
- However, plants absorb only half of the fertilizer.
- The rest of the fertilizer pollutes water and air.
- Scientists found a special protein in plants.
- This protein tells plants when they are full.
- Plants without this protein take much more nitrogen.
- New plants can help farmers use less fertilizer.
- This helps farmers save money on their crops.
- It also keeps the environment cleaner and safer.
Difficult words
- fertilizer — a substance put on soil to help plants grow
- absorb — to take in a liquid or other substance
- pollute — to make water, air, or land dirtypollutes
- protein — a natural substance inside living things
- environment — the natural world of air, land, and water
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you like growing plants or flowers at home?
- Do you think it is important to protect the environment?
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