Fertilizer Basics
What are fertilizers used for?
To help plants grow
What is fertilizer runoff?
Fertilizer washing into water during rain
What is eutrophication?
Too many nutrients cause algae growth
What does HAB stand for?
Harmful Algae Bloom
Why is it important to use the correct amount of fertilizer?
Prevent pollution
Name two important nutrients in fertilizers.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
Why does runoff happen?
Heavy rain or overwatering
Why is too much algae harmful?
It uses up oxygen in water
What can harmful algae blooms release?
Toxins harmful to animals and humans
What would happen if everyone used too much fertilizer?
Widespread water pollution
What does nitrogen help plants do?
Make food through photosynthesis
Where can runoff carry fertilizer?
Rivers, lakes, streams
What happens when oxygen is gone?
Fish and other animals die
What happens when algae die?
They decay and use more oxygen
How can planting grass near rivers help?
It absorbs runoff
What does phosphorus help plants develop?
Strong roots and flowers
Why is runoff harmful?
It adds excess nutrients to water
What nutrients cause eutrophication?
Nitrogen and phosphorus
Why do harmful algae blooms make water less habitable?
Oxygen depletion- plants and animals die because they don't have enough oxygen
Name one farming practice that reduces fertilizer impact.
Controlled application (answers vary)
Why is organic fertilizer better for the soil than synthetic fertilizer?
Organic fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil slowly over time where synthetic fertilizer releases the nutrients quickly, all at once.
Name one way to reduce runoff.
Plant buffer strips or grass near water
Is a small amount of algae good or bad?
Good, but too much is harmful
Name one danger of harmful algae blooms.
Toxins can make water unsafe for drinking or swimming
Give two ways to reduce fertilizer pollution.
Use less fertilizer, plant buffer strips