Effects of intensive fertilizer use on the human environment [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION During the last two decades fertilizers have become indispensable for supplying the necessary food for increasing populations. Between 1950 and 1970 world fertilizer consumption has increased fourfold and it is expected that this upward trend will continue. The increasing use of agro-cheniicals has not passed unnoticed by the general public who have voiced concern about the possible side effects of intensive fertilizer use on the human environment. Considering the importance of applied plant nutrients in stepping up agricultural production it is imperative that any conclusions on the relationships between intensive fertilizer use and the quality of the environment be drawn on the basis of fact. Thus it was with a view to obtaining first hand information on the results of research and experimentation that FAO convened a consultation on this subject in Rome to which a group of experts working in this specific field were invited. The consultation was held in FAO's Rome Headquarters from 25 to 28 January 1972 and was made possible by financial support received from the Swedish International Development Authority. This generous assistance is most gratefully acknowledged. Expert advice was sought from countries where fertilizer consumption is relatively high since it is certain that any ill-effects will first appear in areas where fertilizers are intensively applied. Information was also obtained from research carried out,by the nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilizer industries. The present report records the findings of the consultation. These indicate that the effects of intensive fertilizer use on the environment are mainly positive. It became apparent that when fertilizers are applied correctly their contribution to the nutrient content of surface waters is small in proportion to nutrients derived from other sources. Where detrimental effectj were observed, they were mostly due to improper use of fertilizer which could be corrected by rational soil management practices. In this respect it was noted that the amounts of fertilizers used at present in developing countries are still very low and that local excesses in some of the industrialized countries should in no way prejudice the intensification of agricultural production in the developing world. FAO will use the material assembled here in the development of its fertilizer use programme. The contacts established with research organizations will be maintained so that the most up-to-date information on effects of fertilizer use on the environment can be made to serve agricultural development.