Groundwater in parts of Kansas is so polluted it can replace some fertilizer

In some parts of Kansas, groundwater is polluted with enough nitrates that it can fulfill some of the fertilizing needs for farmers.

In parts of Kansas, decades of farming and irrigation have left groundwater polluted with enough nitrates that it can be used in place of some of a farmer’s fertilizer.

In a year with high input costs and low yields, farmers need to get creative with cost cutting. The polluted groundwater could be a trick up their sleeve to save on fertilizer costs.

Of course, pollution also comes with downsides, and experts warn that the nitrate-laden groundwater could have impacts on people’s health. But they hope testing irrigation wells might lead to farmers thinking about the quality of their drinking water.

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