What is a consequence of excessive nitrogen application in agriculture?

Excessive nitrogen application in agriculture can lead to nutrient imbalances, which is a significant concern for crop health and soil quality. When nitrogen levels are high, they can disrupt the availability of other essential nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium. This can result in deficiencies or toxicities that affect plant growth and development.

In addition, too much nitrogen can encourage the growth of some plants or weeds over others, further complicating nutrient interactions in the soil. This imbalance often leads to poor crop performance and can affect soil health in the long term, making it difficult for farmers to maintain sustainable agricultural practices.

Understanding the importance of balanced nutrient management is crucial for optimizing crop yield while preserving environmental quality. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the consequences of excessive nitrogen application. For instance, while nitrogen is indeed essential for healthy crop development, too much of it can be detrimental.