Vol. 536 No. 4
102 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if any research has been carried out on the excess use of nitrogenous fertiliser here in terms of its effect in causing pollution through run off, using resources uneconomically or making plants prone to disease. [14467/01]
As the effects of excessive nitrogen do not cause pollution in soil, any research in this area is done by the EPA and the local authorities. Teagasc has carried out research work on the uneconomic use of nitrogenous fertilisers over many years. Results from soil tests on nitrogen have clearly shown when it is no longer economical to apply additional fertiliser. The adverse effects of excessive nitrogen in grass crops that are to be conserved for hay/silage and in cereals is lodging and proneness to disease. There will also be reductions in yields and in the case of silage, conservation will be more difficult.
