16 - Use of agricultural fertilisers

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2
Causes

Use of agricultural fertilisers

Conventional agriculture requires large quantities of fertilizers, including nitrogen synthesized with fossil gas, and phosphorus extracted from mines.


Use of agricultural fertilisers

The manufacture of nitrogen fertilizers relies on the use of fossil gas.


2
Consequences

Use of agricultural fertilisers

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.


Use of agricultural fertilisers

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.


1
Other possible consequence

Use of agricultural fertilisers

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)