What is the impact of over-fertilizing soil?

Over-fertilizing soil primarily leads to nutrient runoff and water pollution. When excessive fertilizer is applied, not all the nutrients are absorbed by the plants. Rainfall or irrigation can wash away the surplus nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which can enter nearby water bodies. This runoff can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water, leading to the death of aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.

In addition to environmental concerns, over-fertilizing can create imbalances in the soil nutrient composition, potentially harming plant health in the long run. Thus, it is crucial to apply fertilizers judiciously to avoid these negative consequences while ensuring that plants receive the nutrients they need for growth.