how do chemical fertilizers and pesticides affect production in agriculture
1 Though chemical fertilizers increase food production for nations all over the world, the negative effects to the environment have become inarguable. 2  The chemicals that compose fertilizer, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, run off into local waterways during rainy periods. Farmers use chemical pesticides to eliminate insects and diseases that destroy crops and diminish food supply. 2  These compounds work very well in killing the insects that feed on the roots, leaves and stems of both food crops and garden flowers.