What impact do humans have on the soil by adding fertilizer?

Answer 1

The impact depends upon the type offertilizer. Generally, natural fertilizers such as compost and manure, and slowly releasing organic fertilizers improve soil aeration, drainage, fertility and structure. They do so by their attention to the overall health of the soil. For healthy soil needs 16-17 nutrients. For example, compost results from the breakdown of brown, carbon-rich and green, nitrogen-rich materials. Its decomposition therefore releases these and other nutrients back into the soil. Its organic matter-rich nature lets soil group together better, and hold water more effectively and efficiently. Nicely arranged soil encourages equally nicely arranged pore spaces for the availability of air, and the percolation and infiltration of water. Plants respond with healthier growth. For their roots can grow in the directions necessary for taking in nutrients and water. Generally, artificial, commercial, conventional, synthetic fertilizers increase the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. That's why they're called N-P-K fertillizers. The consequence is rapid, lush growth above ground. But the results may not be so heartening below ground. For nitrogen must be in soluble form in order to be taken up by plant roots. Inadequate amounts may be taken in if soil moisture levels are down. Or excessive amounts may be taken in if soil moisture levels are sufficient to process the available amounts of nitrogen. Too little or too much nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil throws off the nutrientbalance. According to the findings of respected 19th century scientist Count Liebig. an imbalance in any one soil nutrient, be it a major nutrient such as nitrogen or be it a minor nutrient such as boron, throws off the whole life of the soil.