703+fertilizers

//**__Fertilizers__**//

On this page, we will try to make the best recommendations to the town of Basgo, ME regarding fertilizers that we possibly can. These suggestions will take into consideration the towns plans as well as concern for the environment.


 * //__Basic Information on Fertilizers and their Effects__//**

The industrial park should be careful about how much fertilizer they use because they will have a great affect in the estuary around them. The chemicals are considered nutrients but are still hazardous towards the environment. The fertilizers that are in the water will create a bad and unhealthy environment for the fish and other organisms in the water. When the fish take in the fertilizer that has been run into the water, they will die and sink to the bottom. When they reach the bottom, they release the fertilizer that they had absorbed from the water. That fertilizer will float up to the surface the phytoplankton needs the fertilizer to live.

If there is too much fertilizer in the water then it will make an unhealthy environment because it will make algae grow. This will make it so the sun can’t shine through the water so it will slow down growth of sea plants underneath the water surface. When the phytoplankton die they break up into little pieces and they suck up some of the oxygen in the water which affects the other organisms in the water. There are different types of algae that grow depending on what types of fertilizer are in the water. There are better fertilizers for the environment than others like organic instead of inorganic. Basgo should be cautious about what kinds of fertilizers they put around their industrial park.

__The Groundwater Stewardship in Oregon__. 6 Nov. 2006 <[|http://groundwater.orst.edu/‌protect/‌images/‌fertilizer.gif]>.
 * //This is a diagram of the process of a runoff.//**


 * //__Suggestions to the Town of Basgo__//**

Some fertilizers can help plants and lawns grow without hurting the environment much or at all. Unfortunately, these fertilizers are usually more expensive than those that harm the environment. A suggestion to Basgo may be to buy these safe fertilizers in bulk for public areas as well as selling them at a price similar to other fertilizers to the general public. This precaution would keep the fishing industry alive and stop unnecessary plant growth from occurring in the estuary. Phosphate fertilizers have proved to be a decent replacement for traditional fertilizers. Laws banning non-environmentally friendly fertilizers should be considered. These fertilizers could be sold in the local hardware or agricultural store. This will cost the town money, but it will be worth it to solve this problem.

Nitrogen fertilizers cause the most growth in plants and therefore are more dangerous. These fertilizers may cause unneeded growth of algae or other plants in the water. Fertilizers containing Nitrogen can also cause pollution and dangerous Nitrate levels in drinking water supplies.

There are some basic recommendations for the use of any fertilizers. For waterside areas and homes, a strip of fertilizer free land between the water and the fertilized land can reduce runoffs. This land works like a tray that catches fertilizers. If the land was fertilized to the edge of the water, a little rain could cause a runoff. This strip can also prevent soil erosion and preserve nutrients. A berm or a piece of elevated land right next to the water can also prevent fertilizers from running into the water by blocking the edge of fertilized land. If the ground is even semi-frozen, fertilizer should not be applied. Fertilizer can easily slip down frozen areas and into water. Also, when someone is done mowing a public area or their own lawn, there should be a designated place to dispose of grass. This place should not be near any body of water because the grass has fertilizer on it and will pollute the water. Having soil tested before selecting a fertilizer is also a good idea. Even though Phosphate based fertilizers are recommended, if the soil in an area has a unusually high level of Phosphate in it, these fertilizers should be avoided because they could pollute water even more.

Our suggestions to the town of Basgo are to:

1. Be cautious about fertilizers used 2. Invest in Phosphate based fertilizers 3. Create laws restricting use of Nitrogen based fertilizers 4. Test soils before sellecting fertilizers 5. Find and use a designated place in town for disposing of grass and plants

By not adhering to these suggestions, the water in Basgo will become polluted and wildlife will start to die. If Basgo does listen to these suggestions, the organisms in the Wild River and the estuary will remain healthy while businesses continue to thrive.

__**//Bibliography//**__

__The Groundwater Stewardship in Oregon__. 6 Nov. 2006 <[|http://groundwater.orst.edu/‌protect/‌images/‌fertilizer.gif]>. “NOTICE: FERTILIZER APPLICATION, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HEALTH OF THE FOX RIVER.” __The Village of Waterford__. 6 Nov. 2006 <[|http://www.vi.waterford.wi.gov/‌county/‌app/‌public?COMMAND=gov.wi.county.view.command.LoadCountyHome&countyName=Waterford]>. “Preventing Prolution Problems from Lawn and Garden Fertilizers.” __University of Minnesota Extenstion Service__. U of Minnesota. 6 Nov. 2006 <[|http://www.extension.umn.edu/‌distribution/‌horticulture/‌DG2923.html]>. //50 Ways to Save the Gulf of Maine (2000), Jon Percy, Sea Pen Communications, Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia.//