Excess Fertilizers

Definition

Excess fertilizers refer to an over-application of nutrients onto soil for agricultural purposes. These excess nutrients can leach into groundwater or runoff into nearby water bodies, leading to environmental problems.

Related terms

Nutrient Runoff: Nutrient runoff occurs when excess fertilizers wash off from fields during rainfall events and enter nearby streams or rivers.

Dead Zones:

Dead zones are areas in oceans or large lakes where excessive nutrient inputs lead to low oxygen levels, causing marine life to suffocate.

Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen fixation is the process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use as a nutrient. Excess fertilizers often contain nitrogen compounds.