Question

Similar to nitrogen, phosphorus is often a limiting resource in soils, which constrains plant growth. Consequently, fertilizers usually contain large amounts of phosphorus. Which statement is an example of an unintended consequence of using a phosphorus-containing fertilizer?

Answer 1

Answer:

The given question is incomplete - it is missing the options. The requirement can be inferred as being “Consequences of phosphorus-containing fertilizers.”

Notice how the answerer started by explaining what phosphorus-containing fertilizer is and then moved on to stating its consequences.

Explanation:

Phosphorus-containing fertilizers refers to forms in which inorganic phosphorus can be introduced into the soil to improve its fertility.

The consequences of using phosphorus-containing fertilizers include:

1) Pollution of water bodies: the solubility of phosphorus in water causes it to be easily washed off by rain from farmlands into nearby water bodies such as rivers,

streams etc.

This action increases the volume of chemical nutrients present in these water bodies resulting in a condition called eutrophication, which causes rapid growth of algae and fishes at the expense of beneficial organisms.

2) Reduced iron uptake: prolonged use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers leads to overabundance of soil phosphorus, hence reduced uptake of iron by plants vessels.