societal implications and applications
benefits of fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide use
- The use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in farming to increase efficiency for higher crop yield consequently, decreasing cost of food.
- Fertilizers contain a guaranteed level of nutrients in a form that is readily available for plant use. Fertilizer application can be timed to meet crop uptake and reduces losses to the environment.
- This can make certain crops more accessible to lower-income families
health effects of fertilizer use on humans
The toxic chemicals found in fertilizers can be absorbed into the plants and enter the food chain via vegetables and cereals, although the biggest health risk is when the chemicals seep into the ground water which is then extracted for drinking water. This water can contain high levels of nitrates and nitrites and have been known to cause blue-baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia) and can also lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. Mercury, lead, cadmium and uranium are some of the toxic heavy metals that have been found in fertilizers and can cause disturbances of the kidneys, lungs and liver and cause cancer - depending on how much has been consumed!
IMPACT OF FERTILIZERS ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AND PROTECTION OF WATER BODIES FROM MINERAL NUTRIENTSAn article on the harmful effects of fertilizers on the acquatic ecosystems
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organic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
The use of less harmful alternatives to inorganic pesticides and herbicides to ensure that the environment and humans and animals are not being negatively impacted.
The Globe and Mail Article - Organic pesticides can be worse than synthetic Study
The Globe and Mail Article - Organic pesticides can be worse than synthetic Study
fruit production
- Since Auxins stimulate the development of fruits, synthetic Auxins can be applied to induce fruit production without pollination which can be advantageous to both the food industry and consumers.