Fertilisers – good or bad Essay Example
Fertilisers – good or bad Essay Example

Fertilisers – good or bad Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (358 words)
  • Published: September 20, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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While plants generate their own nourishment through photosynthesis, they depend on Macronutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium in significant quantities from soil nutrients. Micronutrients like Iron and Magnesium are also essential but needed in smaller amounts. While nutrient deficiencies are usually not a concern for plants, crop plants may require extra supplementation because of frequent harvesting.

To restore soil nutrient balance when natural organic matter decomposition is not possible, fertilisers are necessary. While they can enhance crop productivity, excessive usage will ultimately decrease efficacy. As a result, it's crucial to apply the appropriate amount of fertilisers to prevent any adverse environmental consequences.

Research shows that due to the doubling of nitrogen fertilizer usage since the 1950s1, over 8200 wells have nitrate levels surpassing the EPA's drinking water standard of 10 parts per million. Unfortunatel

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y, discontinuing fertilizers is not a practical solution as it could lead to reduced crop yields and accurate administration across an entire field is challenging. Therefore, people face two risks: higher prices from decreased crop yields or environmental pollution leading to polluted or inadequate drinking water. The impact of fertilizers primarily affects nearby lakes, rivers and wells by contaminating water sources making it undrinkable, toxic or causing eutrophication - where excess minerals washed into streams stimulate plant growth in the water (e.g., algae blooms).

While fertilizers can enhance crop productivity, they can also have negative impacts on the environment and wildlife. Overuse of nitrogen in these products leads to algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels as dead algae are broken down by bacteria, causing marine organisms to perish. Besides, minerals leaking into water from fertilizer application may lead to water contamination, which could cause

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severe illnesses like "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia).

The accessibility of less expensive food, especially cereals, allows impoverished individuals to buy it. This implies that fertilizers have both favorable and unfavorable outcomes. Nonetheless, even though reducing our food consumption is a possibility, we cannot survive without water, and the globe is currently facing a shortage of it. Therefore, it is advisable to use fertilizers sparingly while simultaneously exploring new methods to ascertain the optimal quantity of fertilizer needed by the soil.

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