Farming, Fertilizers and the Nitrate Problem

• Main Author: Addiscott, T.M (Author)
• Other Authors: Whitmore, A.P, Powlson, D.S
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Oxon C.A.B. International 1991; ©1991
• Subjects: Fertilizers; Crops > Nutrition; Crops and soils
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.
• Item Description: Includes index
• Physical Description: vi, 170 pages illustrations 25cm
• ISBN: 0851986587

The excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture is generally assumed to be a major cause of nitrate pollution. Nitrates may leak through the soil and occur in excess levels in drinking water. The authors of this book provide a detailed scientific analysis of this controversial issue. They review the evidence which shows that many other features of contemporary farming practices have contributed to the problem and that limiting fertilizer use is an over-simplistic solution to the problem. Changing crop production practices to 'mop up' excess nitrate from soil microbes may be a better response.