What is a primary concern regarding the use of fertilizers in agriculture?

The primary concern regarding the use of fertilizers in agriculture is nutrient runoff into waterways leading to water quality issues. When fertilizers are applied to crops, excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can wash away with rainwater or irrigation into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. This runoff can lead to a range of environmental problems, including algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and can create dead zones that are detrimental to aquatic life. These nutrient overloads can also disrupt aquatic ecosystems and degrade water quality, posing risks to both human health and biodiversity.

While increased pest populations, higher production costs, and soil acidification are important considerations in agricultural practices, they are not as immediate or universally critical as the direct impact of nutrient runoff on water ecosystems. Therefore, the conversation around sustainable agricultural practices often emphasizes strategies to mitigate nutrient runoff, highlighting its significance in maintaining both agricultural productivity and environmental health.