Mineral Fertilizers: Benefit or Harm?

Advantages of Mineral Fertilizers

The first and most important argument in favor of chemical blends used as fertilizers is increased crop yields. Undoubtedly, thanks to mineral fertilizers, farmers can produce significantly more, ranging from grain to vegetables. In addition, the quality composition and taste of fruits are also improved.

Nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sulfur - elements necessary for plants can be listed even longer. Even the most fertile soils, for example, chernozem, require replenishment of certain nutrients, since over long periods of agricultural activity, soils become depleted and less fertile than before. Therefore, using mineral fertilizers to activate plant growth and development is simply necessary.

Of course, there are also organic fertilizers, which are safer for the ecosystem. But they are less effective. Undeniably, today there is no more effective and productive tool than mineral blends.

What are the consequences of using chemical fertilizers?

1. Elements contained in mineral fertilizers are not fully absorbed by plants, only partially. The rest either leaches from the soil or transforms under natural processes into gas. In any case, such residues pollute water bodies near fields, turning them into swamps. Some valuable fish species disappear due to accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorus. Also, mineral fertilizers negatively affect forests and their flora and fauna.
2. Along with the products grown using chemicals, nitrates and nitrites reach the human table. This is a direct path to various diseases, ranging from digestive system problems to weakened immune systems.

Soil and air pollution can also be attributed to the negative consequences of using mineral agrochemicals.