Expert: Richard Clark - 11/5/2006

Question
How does fertilizers,agrochemicals pollute soil?

Answer
Rachael
Any thing in excess could be called pollution. If the amount that is applyed is what the plants use there would not be any thing to pollute the soil. So, you could say if fertilizer is used in excess there would be enough left over to pollute the soil. Next year if a crop is planted or if it just grows weeds that which is growing would use the fertilizer that was applyed last year. With the high cost of fertilizer the amount applyed should be what the plants would use. It would be the same with chemicals that are used. Most of your chemicals have a short life that is broken down by the sun,water and time. It is only when they are used in excess there could be a pollution problem.
Richard