Fertilizers play a vital role in agriculture. Over the years, they have increased farm production dramatically.
Commercial fertilizer is, however, a major source of nitrate.
The other major components of commercial fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium generally are not a groundwater-contamination concern. Nitrate also can affect adults, but the evidence is much less certain. Young livestock are particularly susceptible to health problems from high nitrate-nitrogen levels. Handling fertilizers can affect groundwater by allowing materials containing nitrogen to seep through the ground after a leak or spill. Other potential farmstead sources of nitrate are septic systems, livestock yards, livestock-waste storage facilities and silage storage.