Why are Nutrients from Fertilizer Harmful to Aquatic Ecosystems?

Isn’t it heart-wrenching that adding up a few more spoons of fertilizers and cause the death of an animal? Well, it is obvious that feeding good to your soil or plants will grow well. This typically means using fertilizers. But let me warn you that the presence of excessive nutrients is harmful to the aquatic system. I know you are thinking why are nutrients from fertilizer harmful to aquatic ecosystems even? Don’t worry I am here to give all your answers today, give it a careful read!

Your answer to the point:

As a gardener, you must know the dos and don’ts of using fertilizers. After all, this is mine, yours, and our environment that we all should be taking care of. Excess amount of fertilizer contains exceeding the limit of phosphorus and nitrogen that is not so good for nature and aquatic ecosystem. So, when you add more of it, the excess amount of nitrogen and phosphorus transits into the nearest river, ocean, pond, or any waterbody.

living organisms including aquatic organisms need a sufficient amount of oxygen to live. Everyone can assume how decreasing oxygen levels can affect our lives. So when an excess amount of nitrogen and phosphorus is added to the water body or ponds it limits the oxygen level ultimately causing the death of aquatic animals and plants.

Apart from phosphorus and nitrogen all those fertilizers from the market contain more or fewer chemicals. You can already assume that the effect of that chemical is nothing but a negative impact.

Excess nutrients can turn the beautiful aquatic environment into a death tank:

Most of us who possess a little knowledge about nutrients may think the more we add fertilizers and nutrients the more we receive benefits. Well, it is just the opposite. When an excess amount of phosphorus and nitrogen mixes with water they cause the ubiquitous growth of algae. They grow then die faster than ever limiting the oxygen level.

The decomposition of algae causes the oxygen level to drop. Thus the beautiful aqua environment is turned into a death tank for underwater organisms.

Should you stop using fertilizer then?

As a gardener, one and all at some point think that ‘ with planting each tree I am helping the living society and environment as well. Planting is like sowing seeds for a greener and better world. But tables turn when taking care of them results in negative impact. Yes, I am talking about the excess amount of nutrients in fertilizers.

Does this mean we should stop fertilizing? No, clearly not. It is needless to say that we farmers, gardeners, lawn owners need to be more careful about the use of fertilizers. Here are some steps to go through:

Switch to slow-release fertilizer:

Using slow-release fertilizers is a great option in protecting your aquatic ecosystem. This will not release nutrients in bulk as a result the excess amount of nutrients cannot get mixed with water so often.

Follow proper directions:

It is more than important to use the suggested amount of fertilizer only. As read from above, you can clearly assume what an unsuggested amount of fertilizer can cause.

Look for non-phosphorus fertilizers:

Do search for a fertilizer that has the ratio of a nitrate-phosphorus and potassium as 22-0-15 proportion

Proper disposal:

Organic materials and Grass clippings should be cleared and disposed of on a regular basis. This will help to cut up the excess amount of nutrients from entering into the water.

Install aeration system to stabilize oxygen level:

Another way to limit the excess nutrients is to install an aeration system. Such a system will ensure proper ventilation along with stabilizing oxygen levels.

Heavy vegetation with deep-rooted plants on on the shore:

Thick vegetation with deep-rooted plants on the edge of the pond will help to restrict the number of nutrients on the water. Before they reach the water body, they will be soaked by the deep-rooted plants. So, it will be good in both ways.

Dig a Sedimented pond:

This Will help to keep the water stagnant and will trap the excess nutrients before it flows to the actual pond.
In case of excess or overflowing of sediments, you can go for either hydro ranking or dredging for clearing it out.

So You see, we are the ones creating the problems through our actions and only our corrective measures can fix them!

Take away:

The above was a clear explanation and preventive measure about why nutrients from fertilizer are harmful to aquatic ecosystems. Usage of excess fertilizers may turn your nearest water body into an oxygen-less death tank for underwater organisms. It is high time to take care of the aquatic ecosystem and go green in real means!

Leave a Comment