Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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 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.