How is the environment impacted by the use of fertilizers
Explain the environmental effects caused by the application of fertilizers in agriculture.
- Water pollution: Excess fertilizers can leach into water bodies, leading to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and loss of aquatic biodiversity.
- Soil degradation: Continuous use of fertilizers can alter soil pH, decrease soil fertility, and reduce microbial activity, impacting long-term soil health.
- Greenhouse gas emissions: Nitrogen-based fertilizers can release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change.
- Biodiversity loss: High nitrogen levels from fertilizers can disrupt natural ecosystems, leading to a decline in native plant and animal species diversity.
- Human health impacts: Runoff from fertilizers can contaminate drinking water sources, posing health risks like methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome).
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6 months ago