The agricultural industry fell in love with synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Now, experts say, nitrogen, which is ubiquitous in synthetic fertiliser, could have catastrophic effects if the world doesn’t act fast. POLLUTIONThe scientists spoke of close relationships between the excessive application of nitrogen fertiliser and environmental problems such as air pollution, eutrophication, the greenhouse effect, and acid rain. They include nitrogen pollution, synthetic biology, ecosystem connectivity, thawing permafrost peatlands and maladaptation to climate change. He added that running the nitrogen cycle more efficiently would help fix the problem, which is prevalent in Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean – the highest consumers of nitrogen fertiliser.

Source: Daily Nation March 12, 2019 08:15 UTC