Environmental Issues Related to the Use of Fertilizers

Nitrogen forms a part of chlorophyll, the focal element in plant photossmthesis. hfitrogen is needed in DNA and RNA for storing and processing genetic information, in the amino acids that constitute all proteins, and in en mes that control all the transformations in the living world. 

It is obwous that nutriente are lost in the ecosystem through crop removal, leaching, denitrification, volatH- 

Nutrient removal by the crop is the largest factor accounting for nutrient depletion from well-managed crops. Fertilization practices are generally targeted to replenishing these nutrients consistent with economic considerations. 

Leaching is a serious factor in all light-textured and well-drained soUs. Leaching primarily affects potassium, magnesium, and calcium but can also be a factor for other nutrients, in particular, boron and nitrogen. 

Denitrification occurs as a result of the conversion of nitrate N into nitrous oxide and nitrogen. Under poorly aerated conditions where an initially well-aerated soil becomes wet and poorly aerated, losses of N can be large. 

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