"The more we pour the big machines, the fuel, the pesticides, the herbicides, the fertilizer and chemicals into farming, the more we knock out the mechanism that made it all work in the first place."
― David R. Brower
Fertilizers have become an indispensable part in agriculture and farming. These substances, both synthetic and organic, are added to the soil in order to increase the supply of essential nutrients that boost the growth of plants and vegetation. With the rapid increase in global population, the demand of food has also been rising tremendously. Statistics show that almost 40 to 60 percent of agricultural crops are grown with the use of different types of fertilizers. Not only this, more than 50 percent of the population feeds on crops that are grown as a result of using synthetic fertilizers.
With the food supply being met, and our private lawns looking as lush and green as possible, we tend to neglect the long-term detrimental effects of using fertilizers so lavishly. Agreed, some steps have been taken by authorities to minimize their ill effects, and people are being encouraged to use organic fertilizers instead of the synthetic ones. Organic fertilizers are invariably a better option, however, they are not the ultimate solution. According to the National Geographic website, "Organic fertilizers also contain nitrogen and phosphorus that can wash off into waterways. And just like conventional fertilizers fortified with synthetic ammonia, manure and guano (bird droppings) both have high levels of naturally occurring ammonia that can 'burn' plants."
Harmful Effects of Fertilizers on the Environment
Mother nature has always taught us to balance, and still continues to do so. If we eat a lot, our body goes out of shape and tells us to exercise and come back to our ideal circumference. When we exercise too much, our body tells us to slow down and relax. The cold of the winter is always counteracted by the warmth of the sun. Nature constantly works till a balance is attained, but that's just mother nature, not human nature!
We all are living with the consequences of environmental imbalance. A classic example for the same would be global warming. The reasons attributed to this global threat are nothing but the mindless actions of human civilization―deforestation, greenhouse effect, soil erosion, all being the results of the same. Speaking of the use of fertilizers, these chemicals and minerals undoubtedly help in boosting the growth of plants, but our environment is paying a huge price for the same, the burden of which will be shared by one and all in the long run. Mentioned below are some key points highlighting how fertilizers negatively impact the environment.