Agricultural Du plaisir à Safetyprofusion! Week

What you need to know ABOUT FERTILIZER SAFETY

Fertilizers are like extra food for the plants that Canada’s farmers produce. In addition to light and water, plants also need nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and sulphur, which they get from the soil. Because Canada’s farmers are so productive, sometimes the soil needs to be replenished of these elements so plants can have the food they need. One common way this is achieved is through the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. While inarguably useful, inorganic fertilizers can be dangerous under certain circumstances.

WHAT ARE INORGANIC FERTILIZERS?

While things like manure and compost can naturally fertilize the soil, sometimes farmers need a little extra help. For that they turn to inorganic fertilizers, which are massproduced for the purpose of replenishing the soil. It would be very difficult, however, to transport pure nitrogen, so it usually comes combined with other chemicals. Ammonium nitrate, for example, is a very common fertilizer that’s also extremely explosive under certain circumstances. Many fertilizers, in fact, can have potentially harmful effects if not handled properly.

WHAT ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR FERTILIZERS?

• Store fertilizers in a different area than other chemicals and away from any natural water sources. • Don’t store fertilizer directly on the

ground. • Be sure your storage location is firmly se

cured to prevent theft. • Clearly label your storage facility so that everyone knows there are dangerous materials in it.