Question

Why is excess use of fertilizers detrimental for the environment?

Answer 1

Fertilizer:

1. A fertilizer is the substance that is applied to soil or plant tissues to provide nutrients to the crops. Liming materials l additives are not fertilizers always. These substances are commonly used to increase the yield of crop.
2. Excess fertilizer use pollutes the environment since leftover and unused amounts become pollutants in the air, water, and soil, producing eutrophication in water bodies, lowering soil quality by killing soil microorganisms, and so on.
3. Manure, slurry, worm castings, peat, seaweed, and guano are examples of fertilizers.

Disadvantages of fertilizers when used in excess:

1. Long-term use lowers microbial activity and causes soil pH to fluctuate thus affecting quality of crop.
2. Excessive fertilizer use harms plants and depletes soil fertility which affects the quantity of crop yield.
3. The fertilizer is not good for the skin or respiratory system and are not cheap.
4. As a result of leaching, fertilizers end up in rivers, creating eutrophication.