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