No research is being carried out in Ireland on this issue because of the difficulty in retaining research land in the longer term, as it is commonly required for other purposes. In fact, most international research has been confined to the short-term, namely some three years, for the same reason. Results in the short term have not indicated any significant adverse effects from the use of artificial fertilisers on the above issues. However, it appears that in the long-term the use of ammonium sulphate which has an acidifying effect on the soil can impact on sensitive organisms. The use of this fertiliser has declined enormously in recent years.
With respect to pesticides, the rates of use in Ireland are moderate by international standards, so any adverse effects arising are only temporary, generally for one season. Furthermore any adverse effects are further alleviated by the fact that, with the advent of modern pesticides, most of the toxic materials such as organo-chlorines, insecticides, and copper-based fungicides have been replaced.