Question

Although farmers once used only organic fertilizers to replenish nutrients in the soils, some have been replaced with synthetic fertilizers. Although synthetic fertilizers keep nutrient levels high and increase crop yields, they can have an effect on the environment. Which of the following would most likely lead to a ban of synthetic fertilizers?
A. Synthetic fertilizers help prevent the spread of diseases.


B. Synthetic fertilizers are less expensive than organic fertilizers.


C. Synthetic fertilizers increase the potential for environmental pollution.


D. Synthetic fertilizers provide nutrients, like nitrogen that can disrupt nutrient cycling.

Answer 1

Answer: C. Synthetic fertilizers increase the potential for environmental pollution.

Explanation:

A fertilizer is a material which when applied to soil ,supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth of plants.

Fertilizers could be organic ( obtained from nature ) or could be synthetic ( made artificially in labs).

Though synthetic fertilizers such as urea keep nutrient levels high and increase crop yields but they also kill beneficial microorganisms in the soil that convert dead human and plant remains into nutrient-rich organic matter. The non biodegardable synthetic fertilizers seep into groundwater and increase its toxicity, causing water pollution.

Synthetic fertilizers damage the natural makeup of the soil. Plants that grow in soils which use synthetic fertilizers are deficient in iron, zinc, carotene, vitamin C, copper and protein.