fertilisers + eutrophication

Question 1

natural fertilisers

benefits?

Answer 1

contain nitrogen and phosphorus
> benefits include containing a wide range of elements, consuming less energy, aerating soil
> potential disadvantage is that they still have to be broken down by saprobionts to release P and N so release is slower

Question 2

artificial fertilisers

Answer 2

INORGANIC chemical compounds containing P and N

Question 3

describe eutrophication (7)
(how does it fuck up an ecosystem basically)

Answer 3

1. Nitrate/phosphate ions leach into fresh water
2. causing algal bloom
3. blocking light entering
4. other plants can’t photosynthesise
5. saprobionts break down dead plants
6. using up oxygen to aerobically respire
7. so fish and other organisms die

Question 4

why can too much fertiliser be harmful to soil?

Answer 4

decreases water potential