Are fertilizers causing harm to microbiota?

The scientists of Rutgers University (New Jersey, USA) have studied the impact of mineral fertilizers on the number of invertebrates (nematodes, insects) in the natural environment.

According to the obtained data, an excess intake of nitrogen, as well as nitrogen with phosphorus, reduces the number of invertebrates in soils, however, the introduction of phosphorus doesn’t lead to a similar effect. The application of nitrogen in combination with phosphorus also causes its reduction in the water medium. Moreover, the negative impact is stronger in the tropics than in the temperate zone.

At the same time, no decrease in the diversity of invertebrates was revealed, possibly due to insufficient data. The scientists concluded the negative impact of the combined intake of nitrogen and phosphorus on the microbiota in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, both locally and globally.

Add Fertilizer Daily to your followed sources to get market news first  

Enjoyed the story?

Once a week, our subscribers get their hands first on hottest fertilizer and agriculture news. Don’t miss it!

SEE THE EXAMPLE

GET THE NEWSLETTER!