How does the use of fertilisers impact soil health?

Fertilisers can improve soil health by replenishing nutrient levels, but excessive use can lead to soil degradation.

Fertilisers are substances added to soil to enhance its fertility and promote plant growth. They are typically rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. When used appropriately, fertilisers can significantly improve soil health. They replenish the nutrient levels in the soil, which can become depleted over time due to plant growth and harvesting. This can lead to healthier, more productive crops.

However, the excessive use of fertilisers can have negative impacts on soil health. Over-fertilisation can lead to soil degradation, a process where the soil's quality deteriorates. This can happen when the high nutrient content in the fertilisers leads to an imbalance in the soil's natural nutrient levels. This imbalance can harm the soil's structure, making it less able to retain water and support plant growth.

Moreover, the excessive use of fertilisers can lead to nutrient runoff. This is when the nutrients from the fertilisers are washed away by rain or irrigation, and they end up in nearby bodies of water. This can cause water pollution and harm aquatic ecosystems, a process known as eutrophication.

Furthermore, overuse of fertilisers can also lead to soil acidification. This is when the soil becomes more acidic due to the breakdown of the fertilisers. Acidic soils can be harmful to many types of plants and can also lead to the leaching of essential nutrients from the soil.

In conclusion, while fertilisers can be beneficial for soil health by replenishing nutrient levels, their excessive use can lead to soil degradation, nutrient runoff, and soil acidification. Therefore, it's important to use fertilisers judiciously to maintain soil health.