Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
Synthetic fertilizer has been used by California farmers for nearly seven decades.
The main ingredient in that fertilizer, nitrogen, helps the Golden State produce more than half of the country's fruits and vegetables. Growers use more than 500 tons of it every year.
But new research is shedding light on the environmental impact of the practice. The study says that much of the nitrogen eventually ends up in local groundwater, and that's creating a big problem for farmers and nearby residents alike.
The Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis conducted the study. Institute director Tom Tomich joined Take Two to explain the impact the seepage could have on nearby communities if action isn't taken.
Press the blue play button above to hear the full interview.