Essay about The Use of Fertilisers and Pesticides in Agriculture

The blessing and curse of the Agricultural Revolution is advocated with its augmentation and dissemination. Taking the stipulative definition of “blessing” and “curse” from the original premise, one can only superimpose the layman’s terms of “negative” and “positive”. Upon examination of the two classifications within the Neolithic Period and ancient Mesopotamian civilization one can confirm the premise. Therefore, the agriculture revolution was a blessing and a curse for humanity. Human society began to emerge in the Neolithic Period or the New Stone Age. This new age began around 9,000 B.C.E. by the development of agriculture in the region surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and what is commonly referred to as “The Fertile

It is also affordability, convenience, and effectiveness in nourishing plants; however it can also have disadvantages when using chemical based fertilizers. Plants will show signs of lacking nutrient the inorganic fertilizer was separate help over organic choices, it depends on soil organisms to first, break down the organic substance before the nutrients can be out. Inorganic fertilizer’s fast delivery elements and minerals eliminate this potential problem. Inorganic fertilizer, which is often reasonably priced, consists of mineral-based nutrients manufactured for instant application on crops. Unlike the organic variety, inorganic fertilizer does not need to decompose over time to supply nutrients to plants. Inorganic fertilizer contained balanced amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to supply plants and to grow it faster. These are the substance of chemical gain from the processes in cultivating the first one is urea. Nitrogen as urea can be lost to the atmosphere if fertilizer urea remains on the soil surface for total periods of time throughout warm

The program of study i chose is Agriscience. Agriscience is the application of science to agriculture. It will involve studying animals and farming techniques. Agriscience relates to small animals and large animals and eventually veterinary science. Eventually if i take my freshman year Agriscience and then the my sophomore year small animal and then junior year large than i will eventually take veterinarian science that will put me on the path to be a veterinarian. Agriscience will also give me the opportunity to work with animals and learn how to take care of them and treat their illness with medical science. Agriscience is designed for you to be able to test and see how you like the veterinarian and animal science. In Agriscience i will learn about many ways to use agriscience. Crop rotation and how to improve crops are some examples of things i

The pH of soil is important for the absorption of nutrients into the plant. Of the 17 needed plant nutrients 14 of them are acquired through the soil. Acidity is needed to break down and dissolve these nutrients. The nutrients are able to dissolve into the soil faster when the acid is acting as a solute. Another way the pH affects the soil is by influencing microorganisms. The bacteria is crucial in the growth and development of the plant, the bacteria’s role is to break down and decompose organic matter in the soil. If the pH of the soil is too high the acid will slow down and eventually stop the microorganisms. Most plants ideal pH is between 6-7, slightly acidic. Many plants are outliers and thrive in pH such as carrots and corn, which can withstand pH as low as 5.5. If the pH of the soil is too high for the desired crop farmers can add material such as limestone, and wood ashes to raise the pH to the desired level. The pH of the soil can also be changed naturally through the leaching of calcium, magnesium and sodium by rainwater. Carbon dioxide from rotting organic matter can also increase the pH of the soil. Acids can also be created organically in the form of sulfuric and nitric

Humans have a tendency to afflict conflict and havok away from their own living quarters in order to reduce casualties in whatever the conflict may be so that their homeland remains pure and untouched. Given that America has one of strictest health and clean up regulations in the world they tend to follow the Chinese proverb: “the frog does not drink from the pond in which it lives.” The pond that is being talked about here is a nation’s natural resources that are necessary for survival. Instead of ravaging their own land and extract it, America tends to seek out other countries that are able to perform methods of growing crops that would otherwise be illegal in America. Because of America’s role in the world, they are able to expose other countries to ravage their own resources instead of their own.

American Agriculturists are utilizing the newest technologies in order to help the goal of food security being reached. The access we have to power fuels our drive and success in this mission. However, we take what we have for granted. Third-world countries are struggling with reaching food security just as much as our nation is. It is vital to remember that the whole world is hungry.

Over Fertilization occurs when more nutrients are added to the soil than the growing plants can utilize unused nutrients are then carried away by irrigation or rain water. Several factors can result in over fertilization. For example, it is difficult to determine precise nutrient content in some organic fertilizers, like manure. As a result, actual nutrient levels may exceed estimated content, and over fertilization occurs. Also, gardeners may incorrectly diagnose poor plant growth as a nutrient deficiency and apply fertilizer as a corrective amendment. In fact, the true problem could be unhealthy roots, poor soil conditions or other improper care. To prevent overfertilization, have soil tested regularly to determine accurate nutrient levels and only apply fertilizer as

Plants are the back bone to earth; they are indispensable to being able to survive. They provide the earth with oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. They are vital to human well-being as they provide the earth with nutrients, help with the water cycle and are essential for food supply. Plants provide all the energy for the ecosystem, as they can get energy directly from sunlight. They use a process called photosynthesis to use energy from the sun to grow and reproduce. (North western projects, Unknown) Plants also obtain nutrients from the soil in which they growth in. By using photosynthesis plants obtain most of their oxygen and carbon from the air and hydrogen is obtained from the water in the soil. (Victorian Agriculture, 2015). If salt water is absorbed in soil, it can stay in the soil for a long time. This can either be positive or negative depending of the amount of salt in the soil.

Soil is the most important element for agricultural ecosystems. Healthy soil comes with beneficial microbes and insects. Unfortunately, these are often killed off by the abuse of pesticides. Healthy soil can produce strong crops that are less vulnerable to pests. Damaged soils often need strong fertilizers application to produce a high amount of crops. Soil quality can be amplified in many ways, including leaving crop remainders in the field after harvest and adding composted plant material (Union of Concerned Scientists) Compared to industrial agriculture, companies continue to damage and consume natural soil. While intensive plowing and monocrop (does not rotate) agriculture systems have caused nutrient exhaustion and soil erosion. Excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides has contaminated soils and polluted waterways (Grace Communications Foundations)

Plants are common organisms, known for their aid in absorbing carbon and releasing oxygen into the airways. Plants, being living organisms, need both nutrients and water in order to stay healthy and strong (Gardening Know How, 2011). There are a large range of nutrients which come from the leaves and the soil of the plant, each with their

While watching the video-presentation of Tony Avants’ speech on soils, I came to realize the importance of not only the quality of soil that one begins with, but also the quality of products used to enhance it. He states that there is a common gardening myth that plants do not recognize the difference between chemical and organic fertilizers. While that may be true for plants, the microbes in the soil know the difference and have a preference. They prefer the fertilizers made by nature. It would be easy to add chemicals to increase the Carbon these microbes feed off, but it would be much more cost effective, and better for the environment to use a Carbon-rich compost to fertilize one’s soil.

Heavy seasonal rain in rural areas has led to an increase of nutrient loads, from the topsoil into the waterways. This can result in high concentrations of certain chemicals modifying aquatic plants, quality of water affecting the health of trout fish. There are many probable causes resulting to the death of trout fish, which could either be due to the fertiliser or the pH of the stormwater. The main chemicals found in most fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, known collectively as NPK. They are the primary nutrients found in commercial fertiliser, each playing a key role in helping the nutrition of the plant. However, the surrounding farms used a fertiliser rich in ammonium, sulphate and phosphate. Due to the wide range of possible

I personally do not think that agriculture was the worst mistake in human history, but many of the negative results of it are still in existence. Some of the consequences that affected agriculturists during its early times have been resolved or neutralized. As humans became more proficient at growing crops and trade became more efficient and viable, a larger variety of food was available. The biodiversity in the food has increased now so that today, there is not a consistent low-nutritional diet for most people. Pastoralism has also advanced to the point were animal products and meat are more available for everyone. The overall life expectancy has also increased greatly from the 19-26 years presented. There are also medical advances and

Compost is a valuable resource for lawns and gardens. When used, compost improves the soil's moisture management, regulates the soil's pH, provides nutrients on a slow-release basis and suppresses certain plant diseases. In addition, it can bind and degrade some pollutants in the plant's growing environment, reduce the need for pesticides and help control erosion. Compost restores soil structure after natural soil microorganisms have been reduced by the use of chemical fertilizers; compost is a soil innoculant. More compost use means less chemical fertilizers; less chemical fertilizers means less run off into the water table. Not only that but it also minimizes odors from agricultural areas. Along with being a valuable alternative to chemical fertilizers, it provides another way for schools to save money and a better understanding of certain aspects of

One concern about pesticides and herbicide usage is the amount of residues left on the end product of crops sprayed with the chemicals, and their effects on human health. (Williamson, 2007, p. 184). However, these effects are closely tested and levels are strictly regulated to ensure there is no danger from possible pesticide residues. Since 1910, many rules, regulations, and agencies have been formed to monitor the safety of the pesticides and herbicides used in conventional farming. These chemicals must meet specific safety standards in order to be registered for use, and regulations on levels of each product safe for use are also put in place. (Tafel et al.,2007, p.184). All pesticides are rigorously examined to ensure they have no significant effects on human health, or the environment. The residues in the food chain are closely monitored, and regularly tested, to ensure they are below legal limits. In a recent survey of residues