Negative externalities of Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizer on Human Civilization

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the importance of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer on human civilization
focusing on why synthetic nitrogen fertilizer cannot be used by certified organic farms and why does it
matter whether the growers use synthetic nitrogen fertilizer or organic one in their farm? The review was
under taken by referring the latest soil science researches combined with the actual many years of society
member personal experience doing on no-till, organic and/or conventional farming and agro ecology.
Previously available literatures on the importance of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer on human civilization
related to human health, labor, water demand and supply, soil health and climate change were thoroughly
reviewed. The review showed that synthetic nitrogen fertilizer becomes a great challenge for human
development and agricultural production and productivity now and in the future. Due to the need to
continuous application of synthetic N fertilizer in the world, people are exposed for accident damage and
health infection as well as the production process enhances water pollution. In the same line synthetic
nitrogen fertilizer have huge negative externalities on plant and animal nutrition, water supply, soil nutrient
cycle and climate change. Therefore, despite synthetic nitrogen fertilizer will contribute for the harvest of
some yield, by considering lots of its negative externalities on the human civilization, it should be
supplemented by organic N fertilizers those are produced through lightening and microbial fixation.