Dangerous fertilizers that ruin the soil

In the early days of crop production, traditional technologies relied on manure as the primary fertilizer, with weed control achieved through weeding. However, the desire for higher yields has led to the development of products that simplify crop cultivation, increase yields, and reduce the risk of disease and pest infestation. In Russia, many fertilizers are used that are hazardous to humans, animals, birds, the environment, and the crops grown. Their use on an industrial scale is permitted, but it's best to avoid them in private farms.

Mineral fertilizers

Potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus fertilizers are considered the most popular, but calcium, iodine, and many other elements of the periodic table can also be found in fertilizers. Plants readily absorb these nutrients, grow faster, and produce excellent yields. However, this leads to soil degradation and a decrease in humus content.

Furthermore, the soil is depleted and subject to erosion. At the same time, the regular use of mineral fertilizers leads to groundwater pollution.

Few people know, but only 40% of nitrogen is absorbed by plants. The rest is released into the water, soil, and atmosphere. As a result, excessive vegetation begins to grow in bodies of water, leading to waterlogging. Dead plants rot, releasing hydrogen sulfide and methane, reducing the amount of oxygen in the water. This causes fish to die, and fish generally have shorter lifespans, become smaller, and accumulate nitrates, becoming dangerous to human life and health. Eating them can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.

The evaporation of nitrogen into the atmosphere causes acid rain, which causes the death of forests and their inhabitants, and tree diseases.

In addition to their main component, mineral fertilizers contain many impurities, including zinc, lead, and mercury. When ingested, they negatively impact the cardiovascular and circulatory systems, damaging the intestines, kidneys, and liver.

These substances should not be ingested by humans, but reality is different. If a cow grazed in a field with excess cadmium fertilizers, the cadmium concentration in a liter of pasteurized milk can reach 17.3 mg. This is despite the safe intake being 3.5 mg per week.

Mineral fertilizers are intended to stimulate crop growth. But in reality, their use destroys beneficial bacteria, creates an imbalance in nature, and creates a breeding ground for dangerous pests.

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Nitrates, nitrites and pesticides

Chemicals from fruits and their derivatives enter the human body as nitrates, and are then converted into nitrites, which are highly toxic carcinogens. As a result:

• hemoglobin transports oxygen through the blood more and more slowly;
• malignant tumors are formed;
• immunity is impaired;
• the risk of embryo mutation increases significantly;
• the quality of products decreases;
• their shelf life is reduced.

Pesticides are used to control weeds, pests, and diseases. There are over 5,000 types of pesticides. Pyrethroids are considered the safest, but they are very harmful to fish, so their use in fields near bodies of water is prohibited.

Most pesticides are pure poisons. They can be consumed through poorly washed fruits and vegetables, fish, and other foods, as they penetrate the soil and remain there for a very long time.

One of the most horrific consequences of pesticide use was the situation in Vietnam, which caused the deaths of more than 100,000 people and led to mass mutations in newborns.

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Danger level

All chemical products are unequivocally dangerous to humans, the environment, birds, fish, and insects. However, they can all be classified by hazard level, as scientists have long since done, and manufacturers are required to indicate the product's class on the packaging:

1. Class I hazard class refers to the most hazardous chemicals and is used exclusively in agricultural storage areas. Treatment is permitted only to specialized services. Thorough ventilation is required afterward. Class I hazard class chemicals include Magtoxin and Phostoxin.
2. Hazard class II includes products that are prohibited for use on food and forage crops during flowering and fruit ripening. These include Vertimek and Marshal, which are quite common among gardeners. Products classified as hazard class I and II are marked, in accordance with the International Agreement, with a triangle containing a schematic representation of a tree and a dead fish.
3. Moderately hazardous products are classified as hazard class three. These are the mainstay of gardeners' arsenal. These products are low-toxic to birds and mammals, but are lethal to frogs, lizards, and bees. These products include ADS and Karate.
4. Class 4 fertilizers are considered low-hazard. They are based on common biological microorganisms. These fertilizers are low-toxic to humans and animals.

Under natural conditions, the decomposition of harmful substances in Class 4 hazard products occurs within 50 days. Products in this group include Fitosporin, colloidal sulfur, and others.

Top dangerous drugs

Among the most popular, yet very dangerous, products, you'll likely find some that you regularly use in your garden:

• Ammonium nitrate. It is produced from a concentrated form of nitric acid and ammonia. It is used as a plant fertilizer throughout the growing season. Wear gloves when applying it, and it's crucial to maintain the concentration to avoid burning the plants. If overused, this fertilizer can cause large amounts of nitrates to accumulate in the soil.

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• Ammonium chloride. This nitrogen fertilizer allows plants to obtain 25% of the nitrogen they need, but it is converted into nitrates in the soil. Furthermore, adding chlorine to the soil is very harmful to soil microorganisms.
• Calcium cyanamide. Used as a nitrogen fertilizer. It is dangerous when inhaled and can even be fatal. Use near bodies of water and for foliar spraying is prohibited, as it leads to atmospheric pollution with nitrogen oxides.
• Superphosphate can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation upon contact. While it stimulates root growth, flower formation, and fruit development in plants, superphosphate is also a major contaminant of radioactive soil components. Regular use causes aluminum, fluorine, and uranium to accumulate in the soil.
• Rock phosphate can only be used in highly acidic soils. If the instructions are not followed and the dosage exceeded, lead, cadmium, and arsenic will accumulate in the soil. This will eventually make the soil unsafe for growing plants.
• Potassium nitrate is highly corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. When applied continuously, it forms insoluble salts in the soil. It is used as a fertilizer for plants during late fall tillage, increasing their resistance to frost and adverse environmental factors.
• Potassium chloride is explosive. If used improperly, it deposits large amounts of lead in the soil, increasing its acidity and killing beneficial microorganisms.

Don't panic and stop using your usual soil-boosting and plant-feeding products. Follow the instructions, choose low-risk products, use them only as often as recommended, and, if possible, replace them with folk remedies.