Fertilizers

[boer]

I write articles for our local newspaper about agriculture. The object is to present a positive picture about agriculture to the town people. I am intersted in doing an article about the use of fertilizers in hopes of reassuring the consumer the horror stories are not justified. But first of all I need some opinions on just what is in the fertilizers that are a problem, how bad is the potential problems and other than improved crop production what other positive aspects are there to using them. I would also be interested in other websites that would have information to help me. Is there information like this available somewhere else on Agri-ville.

[mhartman]

There are many good references on the topic of fertilizers and the environment. To start, we have an Agdex publication 090-1, 'Fertilizers and the Environment' that discusses the issues. Then there are several other good industry publications. For example, the International Fertilizer Industry Association has a recent good publication called 'Mineral Fertilizer Use and the Environment' which was published in association with the UN Environment Programme. It can be downloaded free in Adobe Acrobat format at http://www.fertilizer.org/PUBLISH/PUBENV/fertuse.pdf In my opinion, rates of fertilizer use in western Canada are actually quite low compared to other intensive agricultural countries, and thus we don't experience many of the nitrate and phosphate problems in watersheds and groundwater. I am convinced from the research here on the prairies that good fertilization, residue management and crop rotation practises will maintain or improve the soil organic matter. If you want further information on this matter, I suggest to talk with one of our soil specialists.

[boer]

Thank-you for your reply and thoughts. Could you give me a little more help on how to find this Ardex publication. I have searched for it at the library but can't find it. Thanks

[mhartman]

Check your nearest Alberta Agriculture office. They may have a copy. If not, I could send you one by mail or fax.

[voltare]

I am a farmer. Grain prices are low. There is too much of everything. Fertilizer is evil.