Agriculture met its first population challenge this century by developing dwarf grain varieties and pouring on the nitrogen fertilizer. Besides, heavy synthetic nitrogen use has created a host of problems. Leaching of nitrates causes enrichment of waters downstream, which leads to eutrification. Too much nitrogen acidifies the soil. There are also direct threats to human health.
Nitrates can cause blue baby disease and are linked epidemiologically to some cancers.
Just finish what nature perhaps hasn't yet gotten around to, match a plant to the perfect bacteria. Like so many things, however, it isn't that easy. First of all, says Kahn, plants aren't all that picky when it comes to the bacteria they'll associate with. But still, if a plant gets too choosy in who it will associate with, it may be left with no bacteria at all. You may end up unmarried.