2. Usage  Fertilizer is used to grow more plants at a faster rate  Plants need nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P) and potassium(K) to grow. Chemical fertilizers contain these elements  Overuse of chemical fertilizers leads to multiple problems due to runoff

3. Dead Zones

4. Other Problems  Reproductive problems in fish  Thyroid and reproductive problems in humans and livestock  Increased demand for bio-fuels  Earth’s soil is being depleted of nutrients over 13% faster then they can be replenished.

5. Solutions  Organic farming Crop rotation Natural Fertilizers Rethink the costs ○ Agricultural chemicals, machinery, fuel costs, buildings Action

6. Sources  Essick, Peter. "Fertilized World - Photo Gallery." Fertilized World - Photo Gallery. 2011. Web. 11 Sept. 2014..  "Google Images." Google Images. Web. 11 Sept. 2014..  "Peak Generation." : Environmental Resource Collapse. Web. 11 Sept. 2014..  Web. 11 Sept. 2014..  "Blue Fertilizer in Brown Paper Bag on Green Grass." Blue Fertilizer In Brown Paper Bag On Green Grass Stock Photo 101771737 : Shutterstock. Web. 11 Sept. 2014..  Web. 11 Sept. 2014..