Darren Mahabir

Program: Chemical Engineering Subject: Communication Class No: 11

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Industrial agriculture is directly a derivative of the green revolution that passed across the globe during the mid-20th century. Intensive farming practice and human activities have disturbed the natural cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus. In agricultural industries, they rely on continual inputs of mined and nonrenewable phosphorus and energy-intensive nitrogen supply. Organic agriculture refers to a species culture, devoid of any synthetic acid, whether it be in farm of genetic modification or applied synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It is estimated that human activity has doubled the global amount of reactive nitrogen in circulation; while tripled the amount of phosphorus since the industrial revolution. New advancements in agricultural technologies yield stronger, more diseaseresistant crops by utilizing natural (non-synthetic) nutrient-cycling process. Also there is a strong need for increased sustainability and closing the nutrient loop in agriculture with the creation of a virtuous cycle between urban and rural areas. Reducing the use of mineral fertilizers and chemicals in agriculture is the key priority.

OBJECTIVES
The goal of organic farming is to reduce the disastrous effects of industrial chemicals and fertilizers on topsoil by enhancing soil fertility, preventing soil erosion, promoting and enhancing biological diversity, minimizing the risks to human and animal health and maintaining natural resources. It is also geared towards the transformation of urban organic waste, food industrial by-products

and farm organic residues from a costly disposal process into an income generating activity. The improved output products will be safe, economical and standardized compost and bio-char products containing phosphorous and nitrogen that can be economically and beneficially used by farmers.

SCOPE High reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers:Pests are organisms which form a parasitic relationship with crops. They are undesired by agriculturists since they usually reduce overall profit and sometimes even diminish entire operations. Two other undesired factors are disease and deficiency. Disease in plants occurs when there is either a parasitic infection of the plant or an undesired gene present which causes mutations. Deficiency occurs when the plant doesnt get proper nutrition for growth, causing yellowing of leaves, staunched growth, non-production of fruit and wilting. Artificial pesticides and fertilizers are used to treat these problems because they seem to be more effective and cause plants to look healthier and more appealing. Although they may seem to be working properly, they leave behind traces of toxic chemicals in the plants and much more in the soil. The traces in the plants slowly take a toll on the body when consumed. The chemicals left behind in the soil usually spreads throughout the environment, causing adverse effects on the natural water systems.

Nitrogen fertilizers
The energy required for nitrogen fertilizer production is found around the planet and there is production in every region of the world. However, there has been a trend towards increased production not only in locations where cheap natural gas is available, in the Caribbean. The principal nitrogen-based fertilizer products are: Ammonia used as a fertilizer and as a building block for other nitrogen products, including intermediate products for industrial applications and finished fertilizer products. Ammonia, consisting of 82 percent nitrogen, is stored as a

liquid under pressure or refrigerated. It is gaseous at ambient temperatures and is injected into the soil as a gas. The direct application of ammonia requires a considerable investment by farmers in pressurized storage tanks and injection machinery. Urea formed by reacting ammonia with carbon dioxide CO2 at high pressure. From the warm urea liquid produced in the first, wet stage of the process, the finished product is mostly produced as a solid product (containing 46 percent nitrogen) typically applied in solid form. Urea can be combined with ammonium nitrate solution to make liquid nitrogen fertilizer (urea ammonium nitrate or UAN).

Ammonium nitrate (AN) produced by reacting nitric acid, an intermediate chemical feedstock produced from ammonia, with ammonia to form a concentrated, watery solution that is subsequently solidified in a pilling or granulation process. Ammonium nitrate is a solid fertilizer (containing approximately 34 percent nitrogen) typically applied in solid form. Ammonium nitrate is water soluble and used in various fertilizer solutions.

RESEARCH METHODS
Interview with and agronomist (agricultural advisor) Interview with a farmer Interview with hydroponic farmer (to gather information on naturally obtained sources of ammonia)

Information gathered from interview with Agronomist, Mr. C. Sukha (BSc Agronomy): In a short interview with Mr. Sukha, he stressed mainly on the negative effects which harsh chemical pesticides and fertilizers have on the environment and the ecosystem. He spoke about chemical leeching, whereby toxic pesticides such as Malathion, Gramoxone and Ectoban and toxic Phosphorous based fertilizers seep through the soil and into the water table, this in effect, ends up in rivers, streams and marshlands. When the toxins of these chemicals get to the wildlife of these ecosystems, they become sick and are sometimes even killed by these poisonous substances. He spoke about the use of ammonia and its derivatives as a safer and more eco-friendly alternative for farmers. Nitric acid, Ammonium sulfate and Ammonium chloride derived from ammonia can be used as a fertilizer to promote better structure in plants, healthier leaves and larger fruits/vegetables. If leeched into the water table, these ammonia derivatives do not have such a negative effect on the environment as the harsh chemicals. Information gathered from farmer J. Ramkissoon: Mr Ramkissoon spoke about the cost efficiency of using diluted ammonia as a pesticide and ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate as fertilizers on his crops. He mentioned the difference in the health and taste of his ocro and sweet pepper plants when he used ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate as opposed to more expensive fertilizers such as Miracle grow. Interview with hydroponic farmer Mr V. Ramgobin : Mr Ramgobin studied the science of hydroponic integrated systems as well as Agronomy and Horticulture abroad and has helped pioneer the local implementation of hydroponic integrated systems. He explained that naturally

obtained ammonia and nitrates from animal waste was ideal for the healthy growth of plants. His hydroponic systems implemented the use of tilapia waste (which is high in ammonia and nitrates to supply nutirents to his lettuce, tomatoes, celery and melongen plants.

Average cost:
For fertilizing one acre of crops : $500 For feed for 1000 tilapia to produce nitrates and ammonia : $700

Limitations:
Although very effective and cost efficient for use in agriculture, ammonia and its ammonium derivatives are very soluble in water; meaning that it can be easily leeched into the water table if enough rain falls. Remaining dissolved in small stagnant water bodies, it may cause eutrophication, disrupting the natural balance of life in that ecosystem. Nitrates (which are derived from ammonia) are also explosive in character. This makes them very dangerous to handle.

Reference :
C. Sukha J. Ramkissoon V. Ramgobin Chemistry in context- Ramsden www.biologymad.com www.khanacademy.com