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Nitrogen Pollution: The Hidden Cost of Fertiliser

Nitrogen fertilizer supports a significant number of people, however 40% of much nitrogen that farmers use in their practices is lost. Some of this nitrogen will be dispersed into water bodies where it can contribute to nitrogen pollution and climate change.

Where Does Nitrogen Go?

Nitrogen will in the forms of runoff help algae grow and create anoxic dead zones in marine environments. Fertilizer chemicals also lead to nitrous oxide generation which is known as a greenhouse gas with a potency 265 to 300 times that of carbon dioxide over the next 100 years.

How Big The Issue Is?

The global efficiency rate for nitrogen application is around 40 percent with recommendations of bringing it to 70 percent according to Planet Tracker that reports there is 2 percent of global power utilization for fertilizer production and that the nitrogen use exceeds its planet boundary by about two times.

How to Solve the Problem?

You can control nitrogen pollution by improving time of nitrogen application can facilitate agriculture without decreasing the rate of production. In South Africa or other countries it is likely that there is still going to be a need for fertilizers.

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