16 - Use of agricultural fertilisers
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2Causes
Conventional agriculture requires large quantities of fertilizers, including nitrogen synthesized with fossil gas, and phosphorus extracted from mines.
The manufacture of nitrogen fertilizers relies on the use of fossil gas.
2Consequences
The application of nitrogen fertilizers is responsible for most nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Nitrogen fertilizers use methane to make them, but there are no methane emissions when using the fertilizers.
Some of the agricultural fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus do not remain in the fields and pollute rivers and oceans. These nitrogen and phosphorus flows are at least twice the safe zone threshold: this process is in the significant risk zone.
1Other possible consequence
The use of fertilizers and pesticides are the main causes of the disappearance of birds in Europe according to the article [Farmland practices are driving bird population decline across Europe](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/ pnas.2216573120)