What is the primary environmental concern related to excessive nitrogen use?

What is the primary environmental concern related to excessive nitrogen use?

• A. Soil erosion
• B. Water pollution via runoff and leaching
• C. Air pollution from ammonia
• D. Pest resistance development

Answer: (B)

Excessive nitrogen use mainly threatens water quality. Nits (nitrate forms) are highly soluble, so when fertilizer is over-applied, a lot can be carried away by water moving through the soil. Heavy rain or irrigation can flush nitrate beyond the root zone and into groundwater or into surface waters via runoff. This nutrient pollution fuels algal blooms and excessive plant growth in streams and lakes, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life, and it can also contaminate drinking water supplies. While nitrogen can contribute to other issues in some contexts, the most direct and widespread environmental impact of applying too much nitrogen in turf and ornamental settings is water pollution from runoff and leaching.

Excessive nitrogen use mainly threatens water quality. Nits (nitrate forms) are highly soluble, so when fertilizer is over-applied, a lot can be carried away by water moving through the soil. Heavy rain or irrigation can flush nitrate beyond the root zone and into groundwater or into surface waters via runoff. This nutrient pollution fuels algal blooms and excessive plant growth in streams and lakes, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life, and it can also contaminate drinking water supplies. While nitrogen can contribute to other issues in some contexts, the most direct and widespread environmental impact of applying too much nitrogen in turf and ornamental settings is water pollution from runoff and leaching.