Discharge of domestic and industrial effluent wastes, leakage from water tanks, marine dumping, radioactive waste and atmospheric deposition are major causes of water pollution. Heavy metals that disposed off and industrial waste can accumulate in lakes and river, proving harmful to humans and animals.

The most prevalent source of agricultural water pollution is soil that is washed off fields. Rain water carries soil particles (sediment) and dumps them into nearby lakes or streams. Too much sediment can cloud the water, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches aquatic plants.

Applying fertilizers in the proper amount, at the right time of year and with the right method can significantly reduce how much fertilizer reaches water bodies. Keeping animals and their waste out of streams keeps nitrogen and phosphorus out of the water and protects stream banks.

There are several ways to prevent accidents caused by pollution on the farm, especially regarding nutrient runoff….5 Ways to Minimize Agricultural Pollution on Your Farm

1. Add Conservation Buffers to Catch Runoff.
2. Implement Nutrient Management Techniques.
3. Control Livestock Access to Waterways.
4. Minimize Tillage.

Here are 8 of our favorite DIY fertilizers for a variety of needs.

• Grass Clippings. If you have an organic lawn, make sure to collect your grass clippings to use on your gardens.
• Weeds.
• Kitchen Scraps.
• Manure.
• Tree Leaves.
• Coffee Grounds.
• Eggshells.
• Banana Peels.

The disadvantage is more chances of soil salinity in response to the chemical fertilization. Therefore, under shallow WTDs, for growing a particular crop, reduce the quantity of fertilizer (from recommended dose) equal to how much is there capillary rise from WTD. In this way, the chances of salinity will be minimum.

Qualities of a good fertilizer

• Free-flowing (easily applied)
• Consistent in particle size with smooth and hard granules.
• Easily spread – ensuring even distribution patterns.
• Quickly dissolve when in contact with moist soil or water (avoid run-off)
• Free from contaminants and additives.

Most fertilizers that are commonly used in agriculture contain the three basic plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some fertilizers also contain certain “micronutrients,” such as zinc and other metals, that are necessary for plant growth.

The most widely used solid inorganic fertilizers are urea, diammonium phosphate and potassium chloride. Solid fertilizer is typically granulated or powdered. Often solids are available as prills, a solid globule.

The Big 3—nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium—provide the foundational nutrients of today’s commercial fertilizers.

Broadcast an N-P-K commercial fertilizer blend. Choose a blend that has at least as much phosphorus and potassium (the second two numbers) as nitrogen (the first number), such as

Modern chemical fertilizers include one or more of the three elements that are most important in plant nutrition: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Of secondary importance are the elements sulfur, magnesium, and calcium.

Though chemical fertilizers increase crop production; their overuse has hardened the soil, decreased fertility, strengthened pesticides, polluted air and water, and released greenhouse gases, thereby bringing hazards to human health and environment as well.

World fertilizer nutrient (N+P2O5+K2O) consumption is estimated to reach tonnes in 2014, up by 2.0 percent over 2013. World demand for total fertilizer nutrients is estimated to grow at 1.8 percent per annum from 2014 to 2018.