Fred Kirschenmann, a North Dakota farmer and co-founder of the Northern Plains Sustainable Agricultural Society, recalls how his father abandoned his initial reservations about chemical fertilizers when he saw the amazing yields they brought about. After some experimentation, Kirschenmann's father felt fully committed to using chemical fertilizers.
Farmers apply great concentrations of nitrogen fertilizers, resulting in extensive pollution as the excess leaches into rivers, streams and lakes. Pesticides and nitrates from chemical fertilizers have been detected in ground water samples from 26 states. The EPA currently classifies nearly one half of U.S. waterways as damaged or threatened by pollution. Although many industries add toxins to our water supplies, agriculture contributes the largest dispersed source of pollution.
In some areas, farmers purchase bottled water rather than drink from their tainted wells. Studies have shown that nitrates reduce oxygen levels in infants' blood to such a degree as to be life threatening. The resulting condition called methemoglobinemia, or blue baby disease, affects children under six months of age. Although older persons do not suffer from methemoglobinemia, detection of nitrates in one's body often indicates the additional presence of pesticides.
Where Have all the Farmers Gone?
Farmers and the "Agri-business Chain"
Reducing Risk Through Pest Control
Increasing Yields With Chemical Fertilizers
Genetic Engineering and Agriculture
Rationalization Through Mechanization