noun
Refers to industrially manufactured fertilizer, as opposed to natural organic fertilizer (有機肥料). Common in agricultural and gardening contexts.
化成肥料は速効性があるが、使いすぎると土が痩せることもある。
Chemical fertilizers are fast-acting, but overuse can deplete the soil.
有機肥料 is organic fertilizer made from natural materials, while 化成肥料 is chemically synthesized.
Compound of 化成 (chemical synthesis) and 肥料 (fertilizer).