The farming industry in the United States is second to none around the world. There are many reasons why US agriculture is so productive, such as increased mechanization and refined practices to increase crop yields. Another major reason has to do with the nutrients added to the soil. Unfortunately, the overuse of fertilizer on US cropland has resulted in huge environmental problems. Plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus drain into waterways, polluting them and suffocating life. With little or no fanfare, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just released a document titled the National Nutrient Management Standard to address this rising environmental issue.

Excerpt from:
US Department of Agriculture Releases Stricter Standards for Decreasing Use of Fertilizers

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