Assessment on Ecological Safety of Farmland Fertilization of China

Abstract

Here is presented the concepts of Fertilization Ecological Hazard Index (FEHI) and Fertilization Ecological Safety Threshold (FEST). These concepts have been used to develop models that assess the hazards posed by fertilization with inorganic fertilizers on ecological environments in China. Based on these models, there were 11 regions, most of which are located in Western China, slightly at risk from over-fertilization, while 14 regions located in central or eastern China were at a moderate hazard from overuse of fertilizers. Six regions in western China were found at ecological safety of environment because of small amounts of fertilizers used in these regions. Ecological safety of environment decreased along the gradient from northwest to southeast by fertilization. There were several factors that influence FEHI. It is obligatory for local governments to offer training to guide reasonable uses of fertilization. It would be prudent for China to establish laws to protect soils, especially to regulate the use of fertilizers in agriculture.