Explain the disadvantages of excessive use of chemical fertilisers to ...
Most fertilizers contain nearly the same basic materials: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and sometimes other nutrients, like zinc, needed for healthy plant growth. Many people use fertilizers but few of them consider the would-be drawbacks of these fertilizers. It is important to consider the harmful effects of fertilizers besides the benefits.
The most significant harmful effects come from a fertilizer that is designed to kill or prevent weeds. Twelve of the most popular pesticides, in the USA, have ingredients known to cause cancer. Organic fertilizers are surely safe for the environment, the body and free of pesticides.
While fertilizers may be beneficial to the plants, they are not always as healthy for the rest of the environment. Many of the “quick-release” fertilizers have been known to lead to oxygen loss in waterways. High amounts of nitrogen can find their way into waterways, causing an excess of algae and a resulting loss of oxygen in the water. This can have a negative effect on marinelife .
Many people do not realize that some fertilizers are made from the residuals of waste water treatment facilities or recycled from other areas that cause them to test positive for toxic waste. 29 popular fertilizers, in USA, tested positive for 22 toxic heavy metals, including silver, nickel, selenium, thallium and vanadium. All of the metals are linked directly to human health hazards.
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Explain the disadvantages of excessive use of chemical fertilisers to ...
Excessive use of fertilizer can cause wilting of plant ie death of plant..
initially the use of fertilizer is litle bit usefull for plant growth but excessive use cause toxicity in plant and immediately cause death.
Explain the disadvantages of excessive use of chemical fertilisers to ...
Disadvantages of Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilizers to Increase Agricultural Output:
There are several disadvantages associated with the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. While these fertilizers are commonly used to enhance crop growth and increase agricultural output, their overuse can lead to negative consequences for both the environment and human health. Some of the key disadvantages are:
1. Environmental Pollution:
- Chemical fertilizers contain high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can leach into the soil and eventually contaminate groundwater and nearby water bodies through runoff.
- This contamination of water bodies can lead to eutrophication, a process where excessive nutrients promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.
- The release of greenhouse gases, such as nitrous oxide, during the production and application of chemical fertilizers contributes to climate change.
2. Soil Degradation:
- Continuous use of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil acidification, reducing soil fertility and microbial activity.
- These fertilizers provide only a limited range of nutrients, neglecting the importance of organic matter and micronutrients required for long-term soil health.
- The excessive use of chemical fertilizers can disrupt the natural nutrient balance in the soil, leading to nutrient imbalances and deficiencies over time.
3. Health Concerns:
- Prolonged exposure to the chemicals present in fertilizers, such as nitrates and phosphates, can have adverse effects on human health.
- High levels of nitrates in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as "blue baby syndrome," which affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- The excessive use of chemical fertilizers can also contaminate food crops, leading to the consumption of potentially harmful chemicals.
4. Reduced Biodiversity:
- The excessive use of chemical fertilizers can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
- Nitrogen-rich fertilizers, in particular, can favor the growth of certain plant species over others, leading to the dominance of a few aggressive species and the decline of native plants.
- This reduction in biodiversity can have cascading effects on other organisms, including insects, birds, and mammals, which rely on diverse plant communities for their survival.
5. Economic Implications:
- Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to increased production costs for farmers, as they become dependent on purchasing and applying these inputs regularly.
- Over time, the cost of fertilizers may become unsustainable for small-scale farmers, leading to financial burdens and potential dependence on external support.
In conclusion, while chemical fertilizers can initially boost agricultural output, their excessive use has significant disadvantages. These include environmental pollution, soil degradation, health concerns, reduced biodiversity, and economic implications. It is essential to strike a balance between the use of chemical fertilizers and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate these disadvantages and ensure long-term agricultural and environmental sustainability.
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