Fertilizers
Fertilizers are generally defined as "any material, organic or inorganic, natural or synthetic, which supplies one or more of the chemical elements required for the plant growth". Most fertilizers that are commonly used in agriculture contain the three basic plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some fertilizers also contain certain "micrnutrients," such as zinc and other metals, that are necessary for plant growth. Fertilizers are applied to replace the essential nutrients for plant growth to the soil after they have been depleted.
Excess amounts of fertilizers may enter streams creating sources of nonpoint pollution. Fertilizers most commonly enter water sources by surface runoff and leaching from agricultural lands. Large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous are present the runoff. Increased amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and other micronutrients can have negative impacts on public health and aquatic ecosystems.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen occurs naturally in streams throughout Utah and is an important nutrient to aquatic ecosystems. However, too much nitrogen can cause serious problems in lakes and streams. Often times in agricultural areas, excess nitrogen enters the system from animal operations or from irrigation return flow. These added nutrients may lead to fish kills, noxious aquatic plant growth, and foul odors. Nitrogen compounds can even cause health problems in humans. High concentrations of nitrate in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants. Concentrations greater than 10 parts per million can be harmful to young babies, and should be avoided by nursing mothers.
Click here to learn how test your water for nitrates.
Additional Information
To learn more about fertilizers click below.
- Utah Fertilizer Guide
- How to Protect Your Water from Fertilizer Contamination
- Landowner's Survey: How to Protect Your Water from Fertilizer Contaimination
- Fertilizers Made from Domestic Septage and Sewage Sludge (Biosolids)
- Fertilizers Made from Wastes
- Selecting and Using Organic Fertilizers
- Selecting and Using Inorganic Fertilizers