Environmental Consequences Of Using Nitrogen Fertilisers

Question 0

What are some of the detrimental effects of using nitrogen fertilisers?

Answer 0

Reduced species diversity because nitrogen-rich soils favour the growth of certain species, leaching and eutrophication

Question 1

What are the benefits of using nitrogen fertilisers?

Answer 1

They increase productivity and provide us with cheaper food

Question 2

What is leaching?

Answer 2

The process by which nutrients are removed from the soil by water which dissolves the soluble nutrients and carry them deep into the soil, beyond the reach of plant roots and into water courses

Question 3

What is a consequence of leaching?

Answer 3

Eutrophication

Question 4

What is eutrophication?

Answer 4

The process by which nutrients build up in bodies of water

Question 5

How does eutrophication occur?

Answer 5

The nitrate concentration in a body of water increases and causes an exponential growth of plants and algae which forms an algal bloom on the surface. This dense layer absorbs light and prevents it from penetrating to lower depths causing light to become the limiting factor for the growth of plants at lower depths so they eventually die. Saprobiotic microorganisms breakdown the dead matter and use up the waters oxygen as they respire. The concentration of oxygen therefore falls which results in the death of aerobic organisms such as fish so there is less competition for the anaerobic organisms which can then grow and exponentially increase in numbers. The concentration of nitrates then continues to rise, making the water putrid