Concerns with the use of Chemical/Synthetic Fertilizers

One of the major complications with chemical or inorganic fertilizers is they seep through the soil, into the groundwater and other water sources, causing pollution and contamination. NPK in small quantities is non-toxic, but a lot can kill the balance of nature in various ways. Environmental impacts of over Fertilizing include (but not limited to) algae blooms causing the depletion of oxygen in surface waters, and pathogens and nitrates in drinking water. Nutrients from fertilizers enter lakes and streams through runoff and soil erosion. When too much fertilizer enters the water, it can cause the natural process of eutrophication to speed up. Eutrophication causes algae growth to explode.

The environmental issues of using chemical fertilizers can be bad, as we just discussed. However, lets discuss the immediate concerns with chemical fertilizers and the effects on the human and animal health. The use of Chemical fertilizers may increase the risks of developing cancer in adults and children. This is not news to scientists. A 1994 study by the University of Wisconsin suggest show that typical concentrations of nitrate (a common fertilizer) and a pesticide in the groundwater may compromise the nervous, endocrine, and immune system of young children and developing fetuses. A study in 1973 associates high levels of sodium nitrate in groundwater with the prevalence of gastric cancer, and another one in 1996 with that of testicular cancer.

A more recent study, shows that chemical fertilizers play a significant role in the development of methemoglobinemia, otherwise known as “Blue Baby syndrome”. Researchers believe the condition results from feeding infants with baby formula using well water contaminated with nitrates. The baby literally turns blue and may eventually lead to coma or death. Infants of young animals who are given water with high levels of nitrate, or drink from contaminated ponds, lakes or other stagnate bodies of water may develop this serious health condition due to the lack of oxygen.

Food crops produced using chemical fertilizers may not be as nutritious as they should be. This is because chemical fertilizers trade fast growth for the health in plants, resulting in crops that have less nutritional value. This can have a small but increasing effect on the health of people that consume them.

My Concerns with using Fertilizers in the Greenhouse is the leaching of fertilizer, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous that pollute groundwater aquifers from runoff and erosion, particularly in greenhouses with dirt floors. There are four main factors that contribute to this potential problem; using soluble fertilizers, using too much fertilizer, watering containers and flats from above with a hose or overhead irrigation (sprinkler heads) and the use Growing medias that don’t retain/hold nutrients very well.

Organic fertilizers release their nutrients slower than the soluble synthetic fertilizers; they are broken down in the soil by Decomposers such as bacteria, fungi and invertebrates (worms and insects) providing nutrients as the organic matter decomposes. The organic matter brings beneficial microorganisms, which will also improve the soil structure. Making the soil more capable to hold on to nutrients, water, oxygen and carbon. Organic fertilizers work with the soil to build up nutrients and feed plants. Micronutrients such as Calcium or iron (just two explamples) are also often present in organic fertilizers, but they are usually not in synthetic or inorganic fertilizers.

With the fact that organic fertilizers breakdown and act slowly, it’s hard to burn or kill your plants by applying too much nutrients all at once. Overuse of synthetic fertilizers can have potentially detrimental results to your plants (possible death).. Organic fertilizers aren’t as water-soluble as synthetics, which means they won’t leach into waterways helping avoid the blue baby syndrome to our babies, farm animal babies and the many other harmful effects to the environment.

Organic fertilizers are acquired from the remains of living organisms, these are just a few:

•Blood meal- a powder made of dried blood. One of the highest non-synthetic source of nitrogen (N). Usually comes from cattle of hogs/pigs as a slaughterhouse by-product.

•Bone meal- Finely and coarsely grounded animal bones and slaughter-house waste products. It is rich in Phosphorus (P) and Calcium (Ca) and other trace elements.

•Kelp- has many micronutrients. It also helps roots to be able to absorb nutrients from the soil more effectively. It can also help with protection from diseases and pests.

•Fish Emulsion- Contains Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) and other trace amounts of micronutrients, Calcium Ca, Magnesium Mg, Sulfur S, Chlorine Cl, and Sodium Na.

These fertilizers will boost nutrients in the soil as they decompose.

If you are going to use Synthetic Fertilizers, use them Responsibly.

•Be sure to not use more than you need. - Apply fertilizers only when necessary and at the recommended or required amount.

•Do not apply Fertilizers on windy days or before rainy days

•Apply fertilizers as close as possible to the period of maximum uptake and growth - Usually, spring and fall in cool climates and early and late summer in warmer climate

•Avoid applying fertilizer close to waterways

•Do not over water plants

•Fill fertilizer application systems or tools on a hard surface so that any spills can be easily cleaned up.

•Properly store unused fertilizers and properly dispose of empty containers.

Lets keep our baby's safe, and help replenish our soils.