Crossword Genius

Can turn on speed to make the land more productive (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nitrate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'make the land more productive' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'can turn on speed' is the wordplay.
'can' becomes 'tin' (both are metal containers).
'turn' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'on speed' becomes 'rate' (the speed at which something happens. I am not sure about the 'on' bit.).
'tin' backwards is 'nit'.
'nit'+'rate'='NITRATE'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nitrate that I've seen before include "following 28 [SILVER]" , "salt" , "Natural or synthetic fertiliser" , "Nattier (anag.)" , "Fertiliser chemical" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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