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. Your drinking water is least likely to be contaminated if you follow appropriate management procedures or dispose of wastes at an off the farm site . However, proper offsite disposal practices are essential to avoid risking contamination that could affect the water supplies and health of others. It will take you step by step through your fertilizer handling, storage and disposal practices.