Dealing With Decades of Synthetic Fertilizer Use

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — The use of synthetic fertilizers by farmers poses a risk to water quality in the valley, and could exacerbate respiratory issues.

The UC Davis Agriculture Sustainability Institute’s latest study found that California generates about 1.8 million tons of nitrogen each year, half of which comes agriculture.

An estimated 419,000 tons end up in groundwater, where it becomes a salt known as nitrate, which if drunk by an infant, can limit his or her ability to move oxygen in the bloodstream.

Calls have been made for the state to increase oversight; but, the study’s authors say there not adequate technology.

They’re promoting greater collaboration with farmers, to find sustainable means of reducing pollution.

Aaron Abeytia