EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC FERTILIZERS

Manmade chemical fertilizers to support yielding in monocrop systems are known as synthetic fertilizers.   They are often over-applied to cropland. Only about half of all fertilizers are actually absorbed by plants the remaining chemicals pollute the atmosphere, soils and waterways.  They add necessary nutrients to cropland but fail to restore organic matter to the soil as manure does. Regular use of synthetic fertilizers causes unwanted environmental effects, long-term depletion of organic matter, soil compaction, soil productivity and degradation of overall soil quality. Over-fertilization also causes important minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium to gradually leach out of the soil. They are also one of the reasons for increasing the salinity of the soil.   Farmers put the fertilizers directly in the field this is also a main reason for the holes in ozone layer.

Nutrient Pollution

Nutrient pollution damages aquatic ecosystems by stimulating the rapid growth of algae. This harms many other living organisms. When the algae die, the process of decomposition uses oxygen dissolved within the water - this oxygen depletion eventually kills fish and other aquatic organisms.

Nitrogen Pollution and Human Health

The two major nutrient pollutants released by synthetic fertilizers and manure are Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Nutrient pollution affects human health by contaminating local water supplies. Nitrogen-contaminated groundwater is harmful to humans, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and people who have suppressed immune systems. Infants who drink water contaminated with nitrates can suffer from blue baby syndrome, a condition that can cause brain damage or death.

Now a day heavy metals are added to animal feed in order to promote growth, manure can contain trace amounts of metals such as Arsenic, Copper, Selenium and Zinc. They contaminate soil, poisoning wildlife and polluting groundwater. Arsenic trace is found in (On September 6, 2013, FDA report US Food and Drug Administration) rice varieties affects human health.  If animals are grown in the field itself the risk is to be reduced.

The major effects of artificial fertilizers

  Contamination with impurities

  Fertilizer dependency

  Soil acidification

  Trace mineral depletion

  Over fertilization

  High energy consumption

         Lack of long-term sustainability

       Contribution to climate change