People use fertilizers to introduce trace elements and nutrients into the soil so that plants can absorb them. These fertilizers can be made through artificial means or using natural organic ingredients. The fertilizers that are made from inorganic materials are known as chemical fertilizers. (See Reference 1) Usually, the use of chemical fertilizers is not advocated due to the harmful effects they have on the environment. (See Reference 1)
Some of the effects of chemical fertilizers are discussed below:
While chemical fertilizers tend to facilitate the growth of the plant by making nutrients instantly available to them, they do not do much for the soil. As a matter of fact, these fertilizers tend to have a negative effect on the soil as some of them have unnaturally high amounts of nutrients in them and this can over-saturate the soil and negate the effect of other important nutrients. (See Reference 1)
These fertilizers tend to cause build up of toxic chemicals in the soil and thereby increasing the acidity of the soil. Most of the artificial fertilizers have sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid and when too much of these fertilizers are used, they tend to destroy the beneficial microbes present in the soil. These microbes help to increase the nitrogen level of the soil and the plant absorbs this natural nitrogen to facilitate its growth. Due to chemical fertilizers, plant growth is adversely affects and so also the pH of the soil. (See Reference 1)
When chemical fertilizers are used, just a certain amount of the chemicals within the fertilizers are utilized by the plant. The balance unused chemicals enter the groundwater and get carried from there to different water bodies. Hence, these fertilizers cause pollution of groundwater and other water bodies. (See Reference 1)More Articles :
- Disadvantages Of Chemical Fertilizers
- Effects Of Chemical Fertilizers
- What Can Replace Chemical Fertilizers ?
1. Ehow.com: Environmental Effects Of Chemical Fertilizershttps://www.ehow.com/list_6374965_environmental-effects-chemical-fertilizers.html
The use of chemical fertilizers is not advised as they tend to cause groundwater pollution and alter the pH levels of the soil. In addition, over prolonged periods of time, the chemicals within the fertilizers can make their way into the vegetables and fruits, thus causing harmful effects on the body. Hence, it is important to find out what can replace chemical fertilizers and use those alternatives instead.