If these questions create doubt about the safety of your management practices, this publication will provide helpful information. Fertilizer Use Overview Fertilizers play a vital role in agriculture and also are commonly used in urban areas.
Fertilizers increase crop production and improve lawns and gardens dramatically.
However, commercial fertilizer is a major source of nitrate, which can contaminate ground water. Nitrogen levels above the MCL have been found in many water wells in Texas. Other major components of commercial fertilizer, such as phosphorus and potassium, are not generally a ground water contamination concern. Elevated nitrate levels in drinking water can pose serious risk to infants. Nitrates also can affect adults, but the evidence is less certain.