EFFECTS

• NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF NITROGEN CONTAINING FERTILISERS?

  • reduced species diversity
  • leaching
  • eutrophication
• REDUCED SPECIES DIVERSITY?

  • nitrogen-rich soil favours rapidly growing species
  • outcompete other species
  • e.g. nettles/ grasses
• LEACHING?

  • when nutrients are removed from soil
  • rainwater dissolves soluble nutrients (NO3-)
  • carry deep into soil beyond roots
  • enter watercourses before reaching freshwater lakes
  • prevent efficient oxygen transport in babies
  • link to stomach cancer
  • eutrophication
• EUTROPHICATION?

  1. Low NO3- in lakes and rivers
  2. LF for plant and algal growth
  3. NO3- increases
  4. Plant and algal growth increases
  5. Algal bloom
  6. Absorbs light
  7. LF for growth of plans and algae deeper
  8. Deeper die
  9. Lack of dead not LF for saprobiontic bacteria
  10. Require O2 for respiration
  11. Increased demand for O2
  12. O2 decreases, NO3- released from decay
  13. LF for aerobic respiration
  14. Aerobic organisms (e.g. fish) die and all O2 is used up
  15. Less competition for anaerobic organisms
  16. More decomposition = more NO3- and H2S
  17. Putrid water