What effect does over-fertilization have on soil health?

Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient runoff and pollution, which significantly impacts soil health and the surrounding environment. When too many nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, are applied to crops, they may not be fully absorbed by the plants. Heavy rainfall or irrigation can then wash excess nutrients away from the soil, causing them to enter waterways. This runoff can create several problems, including algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies and harm aquatic life.

Additionally, the accumulation of nutrients in soil can lead to imbalances that disrupt the natural microbial communities essential for maintaining soil health. This ultimately diminishes the soil's ability to support healthy plant growth and can create long-term challenges for agricultural sustainability. The emphasis on nutrient management practices to prevent over-fertilization is crucial for protecting not only soil health but also the broader ecosystems affected by agricultural runoff.