Question

suppose you are a soil expert advising a farmer on the use of fertilizers. What would you tell the farmer about the environmental impact of the fertilizers?

Answer 1

(1) Fertilizer need to be applied carefully in terms of proper dose time and looking after the pre and post application precautions. Example : the excess use of fertilizers can cause water pollution by getting washed away when they are not absorbed fully by the plant due to excessive irrigation. (2) Continuous use of fertilizers can destroy soil fertility because the organic matter in the soil does not get replenished. Hence, microorganisms in the soil are harmed by the use of fertilizers. (3) The biggest issues facing the use of chemical fertilizers is groundwater contamination. (4) Fertilizers contains substances including nitrates and phosphorus that are flooded into lakes and ocean through rains and sewage. These substances boost the excessive growth of algae in the water bodies, there by, decreasing the level of oxygen for aquatic life. Thus, excessive use of fertilizers leads to eutrophication.