Too Much Fertilizer in an Aquatic Ecosystem: A Crisis in 5 Facts

Introduction

Fertilizers are an essential part of gardening and agriculture, but too much fertilizer can have devastating consequences for aquatic ecosystems. When fertilizer runoff enters waterways, it can cause a number of problems, including:

• Excess nutrients can cause an increase in algae blooms
• Algal blooms block sunlight from reaching underwater plants
• Undue growth of plants can block navigation in water bodies
• Decreased oxygen levels in the water
• Fish and other aquatic organisms can die

Algae Blooms

One of the most common problems caused by excess fertilizer is algae blooms. Algae are microscopic plants that use nutrients from the water to grow. When there is too much fertilizer in the water, algae can grow rapidly, forming blooms that can cover the surface of the water.

Algae blooms can have a number of negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. They can:

• Block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, which can lead to a decline in plant growth and biodiversity
• Reduce oxygen levels in the water, which can kill fish and other aquatic organisms
• Produce toxins that can harm humans and animals

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a process that occurs when a body of water becomes enriched with nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This can happen naturally, but it can also be accelerated by human activities, such as fertilizer runoff.

Eutrophication can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Increased algae growth
• Decreased oxygen levels
• Fish kills
• Loss of biodiversity

Dead Zones

Dead zones are areas of water with very low oxygen levels. These zones can be caused by a number of factors, including fertilizer runoff. When fertilizer enters waterways, it can cause an increase in algae growth. Algae use oxygen to breathe, so when there is too much algae in the water, oxygen levels can decline.

Dead zones can have a devastating impact on aquatic ecosystems. They can kill fish and other aquatic organisms, and they can also make it difficult for plants to grow.

The Cost of Fertilizer Pollution

Fertilizer pollution is a major environmental problem that costs billions of dollars each year. The cost of fertilizer pollution includes:

• The cost of cleaning up polluted waterways
• The cost of lost fisheries
• The cost of lost tourism revenue
• The cost of human health problems

What Can Be Done?

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce fertilizer pollution. These include:

• Using fertilizers efficiently
• Applying fertilizers at the right time of year
• Using slow-release fertilizers
• Planting vegetation around waterways to help filter out fertilizer runoff
• Educating the public about the dangers of fertilizer pollution

Conclusion

Fertilizer pollution is a serious environmental problem that can have a devastating impact on aquatic ecosystems. There are a number of things that can be done to reduce fertilizer pollution, and it is important to take action to protect our waterways.

Tables

Table 1. The impact of fertilizer pollution on aquatic ecosystems

Table 2. The cost of fertilizer pollution

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using fertilizers:

Don't Fertilize Before a Rain

Fertilizer can be easily washed away by rain, so it's important to fertilize before a rain is expected.

Don't Over-Fertilize

Fertilizing too much can actually harm your plants, so it's important to follow the directions on the fertilizer label.

Don't Fertilize Too Often

Fertilizing too often can lead to a build-up of nutrients in the soil, which can harm your plants.

Don't Fertilize When Your Plants Are Dormant

Plants don't need fertilizer when they're dormant, so it's important to stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.