OSSAMA ELKHOLY CHEMICAL USED IN AGRICULTURE: FERTILIZERS & PESTICIDES

PESTICIDES These are chemicals that are sprayed on plants in order to prevent and demolish any sort of pests, whether they are insects of other plants. TYPES Usually mentioned according to the type of pest they control, for example: -insecticides  insects -herbicides  weeds -fungicides  fungus -rodenticides  rodents WHAT ARE PESTICIDES & FERTILIZERS

Fertilizers They are organic or inorganic substances that are placed in the soil replacing soil nutrients removed from yielded crops. Organic fertilizers are derived from animals and plants, for example cow manure is a commonly used natural fertilizer. Synthetic fertilizers are chemically made through the study of the essential chemicals required in plant growth. The crucial elements required for plant growth are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), that being said, fertilizers are usually given an NPK rating that is based on these relative consistencies.

 There are approximately 700 companies manufacturing chemicals in agriculture in the U.S. making total annual revenue of $30 to $40 billion.  There is 7.8% increase in the United State’s yearly consumption of fertilizers.  The top three fertilizer-dependent U.S. crops are corn, wheat and soybeans, where a total of acres were planted in 2008 using fertilizers. HOW FREQUENTLY ARE FERTILIZERS USED?

 In 2008, a study was conducted on the 50 crops grown in the United States believed to be the greatest consumers of insecticides.  The 50 crops totaled a scale of 567 million acres.  It was estimated that 45 million acres of the 50 crops are given yearly insecticide treatments.  Approximately 144 billion pounds of harvest, 10% of the 50 crops, were ascribed to insecticides HOW FREQUENTLY ARE PESTICIDES USED?

BENEFITS  The use of fertilizers show a substantial increase in plant size.  There is a significant increase in the fruit fresh weight, fruit length, fruit circumference and the fruit’s dry matter at greater NPK levels.

 Pesticides are very beneficial for crop yield through crop protection.  Without the use of such chemicals, the U.S. food productivity would decline, where there could be a shortage in fruit and vegetable supplies as well as increasing food prices.  In the 1950’s, worms were found in 50-70% of California’s artichoke harvest.  It was found that 40% of the world’s potential harvest production is annually lost to the growth of weeds, and the invasion of pests and disease.  Farmers receive a $19 return on every $1 spent on insecticides.  Total yearly revenue of agricultural chemicals is $30-$40 billion.

 methyl bromide, a chemical in pesticides, was found to have very noticeable chronic toxicity, targeting organs such as the heart, adrenal gland, liver, kidney and testis.  In over 91 studies pesticides were defined as being toxic and poisoning, and over 30 studies have shown how it could lead to cancer and DNA damage.  Fetal deaths in many cases is directly linked to pesticide exposure.  Exposure to ammonium nitrate could cause skin and eye irritation as well as burning. HEALTH RISKS

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