Fertilizantes nitrogenados: uma revisão bibliográfica sobre impactos ambientais

Abstract

Brazil is the world's leading producer of soybeans and corn. Due to the occurrence of 2 to 3 harvests per year in acidic and poor soils, it is necessary to periodically replenish nutrients. Nutrient addition to the soil is done through fertilizers, which are substances that supply the lacking nutrients for crops, thereby increasing production and crop quality. The main nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Like other nutrients, nitrogen is essential for plants, playing a key role in the formation of amino acids and proteins, and also aiding in photosynthesis, therefore, maintaining plant life. Nitrogen fertilizers come in various formulations, but all are derived from anhydrous ammonia produced by the Haber-Bosch process, which is extremely important in feeding the world's population. The most commonly used nitrogen fertilizer is urea, which contains 46% nitrogen. Its use is most viable due to its low cost and high nitrogen concentration, but it also has a high level of ammonia volatilization loss. The extensive use of nitrogen fertilizers alters the nitrogen cycle, causing irreversible environmental impacts. This study reviews the main problems caused by high concentrations of reactive nitrogen and methods to minimize these impacts.