Repercussions of Chemical Fertilizers on the Environment and Safety Measures

Author: Satheesh Ampolu, Santhi Priya Dalai, M.V.V. Ramanjaneyulu, Usha Hanumantu and Amit Kumar

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Abstract

Agriculture in the twenty-first century faces numerous challenges, including the need to produce more food to feed a growing population. Chemical fertilizers are used to meet the needs of the population and to increase productivity. Chemical fertilizers improve plant growth and productivity, ensuring global food security, but they also prevent plants from developing desirable traits including a strong root system and nutritional traits, as well as giving them adequate time to develop and mature. Besides to this the chemical fertilizers are creating a lot of toxicity that impacts the environment adversely. Toxic compounds from chemically generated plants will build up in the human body and are extremely harmful and also several issues such as serious soil degradation, nitrogen leaching, soil compaction, soil organic matter loss, and soil carbon loss. To avoid this we must exchange chemical fertilizer with organic inputs like manure, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, Nano fertilizers, and slow-release fertilizers, etc., which would improve the soil texture, allowing it to hold water longer, and increase the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil. A healthy natural environment and ecology will result from choosing organic farming for both the present and the coming generations.

Keywords

Environment, Ecosystem, Chemical fertilizers, Controlled released fertilizers, granulated fertilizer, Nano-fertilizer, Organic fertilizer

Conclusion

Chemical fertilizers play a significant role in the production of enough food for the entire world's population, but their excessive use is posing serious problems for both the present and the next generation, including air, water, and soil pollution, degraded lands, depleted soils, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. These artificial fertilizers are increasingly dangerous not just for the environment but also for people, animals, and microbiological life. Long-term, excessive use of chemical fertilizers on the same soil can degrade the soil and cause the loss of beneficial soil microbes. Therefore, integrating the use of various nutrient supplements, such as controlled released fertilizers, granulated fertilizers, Nano-fertilizer, nitrification inhibitors, organic fertilizers, etc., are the promising solutions we can use to overcome these significant challenges and can save the environment. Organic fertilizers are readily available mineral sources that have a modest concentration of vital minerals for plants. They have the ability to reduce issues brought on by synthetic fertilizers. They lessen the requirement for recurrent synthetic fertilizer applications to maintain soil fertility. Using organic fertilizers has many advantages, including improved soil structure, a season-long supply of nutrients, and better water-holding capacity. In the foliar sector, organic fertilizer is now the most in-demand commodity. However, it's crucial to regularly do your homework and read labels before making a purchase. Growers must take the time to confirm that the fertilizer is natural, non-toxic, and prepared entirely with plant extracts from organic sources.

References

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How to cite this article

Satheesh Ampolu, Santhi Priya Dalai, M.V.V. Ramanjaneyulu, Usha Hanumantu and Amit Kumar (2023). Repercussions of Chemical Fertilizers on the Environment and Safety Measures. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 1262-1268.