The Hazards of Fertilizers

Water Pollution

• One of the biggest concerns for areas in which fertilizers are used is water pollution. When it rains, the groundwater that runs off the plants contains the chemicals used in the fertilizer. These chemicals end up in large bodies of water and the water supply. Nitrogen, a key ingredient in many fertilizers, is dangerous to humans and animals. Another element used in chemical fertilizers is phosphate. Phosphate encourages the growth of algae in bodies of water, which can sap the water of oxygen, killing other plants and animals.

Soil Degradation

• Long-term usage of fertilizers can cause the soil to become filled with an overabundance of the three major chemicals used in chemical fertilizer, which are phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. When the soil is filled with these three chemicals, other micronutrients, or nutrients that the plants need in smaller amounts, are often eliminated. This can result in plants that are off both in taste and color. Additionally, an abundance of nitrogen in the soil can cause the plant to absorb nitrates. When people eat the crop, they will then consume far more nitrates than are considered healthy.

Fertilizer Burn

• While chemical fertilizers are standard because they help people produce large, lush crops, they also have a practical downside. People who apply fertilizer too often or in too large a quantity can actually harm their crops. The crops can be damaged in look and taste, or they can die before they mature.

Health Problems

• One of the biggest concerns for people who are against usage of chemical fertilizers is the health problems the chemicals are said to cause. Scientists have found that exposure to fertilizer chemicals can affect a person's immune system, endocrine system and neurological health. While organic fertilizers are often seen as the healthy alternative, they can cause health problems as well. These fertilizers are often made of natural ingredients, such as manure or bone meal. These substances can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, which can make animals and humans very sick.