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GARDENING TIP OF THE DAY
Nitrogen is one
of the most important nutrients for plants. It is an essential
ingredient of proteins which are the building blocks of growing
plants. It is necessary for the production of sugars and,
subsequently, of ripe fruit.
In fact, all
soil life and all plants require substantial amounts of nitrogen.
As a result, most farmers and gardeners apply some form of
nitrogen fertilizers to their crops. However, nitrogen also has a
dark side. Too much nitrogen can damage plants and cause serious
problems. In fact, right now, a worldwide glut of nitrogen is a
threatening ecosystems around the world.
7 Ways You Can Reduce Nitrogen Pollution
1. Use Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers do not contribute to the
nitrogen glut because they use "recycled" nitrogen. Also, the
nitrogen in organic fertilizers is insoluble and is released to
the plants slowly over time. Synthetic fertilizers are
water-soluble and can be easily washed away into lakes and
streams.
2. Test Your Soil
Find out what level of nitrogen and other nutrients
your soil already has. Follow the soil test recommendations, using
organic fertilizers. Call your local extension service to find out
how to test your soil.
3. Apply Small Amounts of Fertilizer Frequently
When smaller amounts of nitrogen fertilizer is
applied throughout the growing season (instead of one large
application), plants will use more of the nitrogen and less will
wash off of the field. Also, never apply fertilizer to frozen
ground, it will wash away when the ice melts.
4. Buy Local, Organic Produce and Meat
Or better yet, grow your own. Organic produce is
grown without synthetic fertilizers that contribute to the
nitrogen glut. And when it’s grown locally, a lot less fossil
fuels are burned in transport.
5. Eat More Vegetables
With a typical American diet, rich in meat, it
takes 120 pounds of nitrogen a year to feed each person. A diet
primarily composed of vegetables and grains takes about 70 pounds
of nitrogen per person.
6. Drive Less
Vehicles and power plants contribute about 35
percent of the nitrogen found in coastal streams, according to a
study last year by the U.S. Geological Survey.
7. Create a Buffer Zone
If you live near a lake or stream, allow a buffer
zone-a strip of grass or other vegetation-to grow along the shore.
Water will be trapped by the vegetation and less will wash into
the lake or stream.
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