Excess of nitrogenous fertilizers is harmful because they...

Excess of nitrogenous fertilizers is harmful because they
(a) increase the acidity of the soil
(b) do not get distributed uniformly in the soil
(c) get leached away from the soil easily and pollute the water bodies
(d) produce extra heat which burns plants

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Key Concepts

Water Pollution

When excess nutrients like nitrates leach into water bodies, they can stimulate the overgrowth of algae, a process known as eutrophication. This algal bloom depletes oxygen in the water, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and the quality of water used for human consumption.

Nutrient Leaching

Over-application of fertilizers can result in nutrient leaching, where the water-soluble nutrients, particularly nitrates, are washed away from the soil. This not only reduces soil fertility over time but also contributes to the contamination of groundwater and surface water bodies.

Nitrogenous Fertilizers

These are compounds that supply nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. They are widely used in agriculture to boost crop yields. However, when applied in excess, they can lead to various environmental problems by altering the natural nutrient balance of soils and nearby ecosystems.

Soil Acidification

Excess nitrogen fertilizers can lead to soil acidification through processes such as nitrification, where ammonium is converted to nitrate with the release of hydrogen ions. This increase in soil acidity can disrupt nutrient availability, harm beneficial soil microorganisms, and consequently reduce plant health and productivity.

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