Climate change is a major concern of the 21st century, and the elemental role of synthetic fertilizers in promoting global warming is a significant topic of debate. Synthetic fertilizers are man-made substances designed to provide nutrition to plants; they are supplied with certain elements that help plants to survive and thrive in the short-term. Farmers and gardeners alike recognize the immediate benefits they reap from applying synthetic feritlizers in their fields and lawns, yet non-experts are often unaware of their implications for the planet in the long term.
Firstly, it is important to discuss the considerable capacity for synthetic fertilizers to generate biogas. The fertilized soil releases nitrous oxide, which not only functions as a strong contributor to global warming but also emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
Routine applications of synthetic fertilizers can lead to eutrophication (when an increase in nutrient-rich compounds, such as nitrates, pollute water sources). Nitrogen-rich compounds propel the growth of algae, which in turn depletes oxygen from the soil and can kill off ecosystems.
What’s more, synthetic fertilizers have the potential to alter natural habitats. Glut of nitrates can seep away from targeted crops and into nearby water bodies. When floating into nearby rivers and oceans, the effects of such chemical infiltration can become a matter of peril for aquatic life. This can potentially cause irreparable damage to coral reefs, marine life, and wildlife.
Conversely, there are certain positive implications of applying synthetic fertilizers. As an example, the use of synthetic fertilizers is the secret to higher crop yields, and considering the increasing pressures of a growing population, this can be a significant contributor to food production.
In the same vein, it is important to mention that some fertilizers — including certain nitrogen fertilizers — can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in so far as they aid in increasing soil organic matter, which in turn helps to store carbon. This can be an effective method in climate change mitigation.
On the whole, synthetic fertilizer use can be detrimental to not only the environment but also living creatures. Nevertheless, it is said that farmers and gardeners should not completely forgo the use of synthetic fertilizers, as enhanced crop yields and climate mitigation potential are of great advantage. It is advisable to apply fertilizers in moderation and to ensure that all materials are properly disposed.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual farmer or gardeners to undertake responsible fertilizer usage based on informed decisions and a detailed understanding of the associated risks. By being aware of the challenges posed by synthetic fertilizers and through taking the necessary measures to minimize use, it is possible to have a positive global impact.
