Wilhelm Ostwald developed the Ostwald Process in 1902, as a
chemical process for making nitric acid. It provides the main raw
material for the most common type of fertilizer production. This
process led to farmers being able to produce more and better crops.
This led to more food availability of a better quality for humans.
Use of fertilizers has a negative impact on the environment by
depleting the quality of soil and altering the biology of bodies of
water.