by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n
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Fertilizer overuse has been in experts’ sights<\/a>. The application of chemicals to the soil, in fact, may boost crop yields, but the environmental costs are huge. From the loss of nutrients<\/strong> in the environment to the contamination of water resources and impacts on human health, the list of risks imposes continuous analyses. At the same time, it suggests the search for a new balance based on a more moderate use of chemicals. This can be achieved by conducting special tests<\/strong> on soil characteristics. In this way, we can get crucial information to avoid waste and wrong choices.<\/p>\n The nutrient requirements of the soil vary from year to year depending on many factors<\/a>. Ignoring this aspect can mean overusing fertilizers<\/strong>, incurring unnecessary costs and damaging the environment. It is not only theory, however, to suggest the opportunity of preliminary testing. Today, in fact, the agricultural sector is facing a new and powerful underlying incentive: market.<\/p>\n