How is the use of fertilizers and pesticides harmful for fruits and vegetables?

Answer 1

That they can emphasize one type of growth over another, that they do not always treat the underlying stress, that they interrupt Mother Nature's work, and that they may have detrimental after- and side-effects are ways in which the use of fertilizers and pesticides arm harmful for fruits and vegetables.

Specifically, fertilizers are designed to emphasize above-ground growth, which must be balanced by proper below-ground development of roots. A plant actually "feeds" by what the roots intake. Inadequately or improperly developed roots will not eliminate wastes or intake life-sustaining, soluble minerals, nutrients and trace elements.

The underlying stress often can be a problem with site conditions. For example, the soil may be lacking in the minor elements which Justus Freiherr von Liebig (12 May 1803 - 18 April 1873) proved to be as critical as major elements in their absence. Many fertilizers will be top-heavy in delivering major elements, for which they are named "NPK" -- nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium -- soil-amenders.

Fertilizers and pesticides constitute human intervention in Mother Nature's own processes. They need to be part of an integrated management program that considers soil, soil food web, and plant well-being. Otherwise, fertilizers and pesticides tend to emphasize lush production for big profit margins over healthy growth in sustainable landscapes.

Fertilizers and pesticides can have effects beyond their intended targets. They may leave toxic residue in the environment. The immediate problem of getting a plant to grow bigger and faster may be solved, at the cost of area people, plants and wildlife.