College
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Department
Wildland Resources Department
Faculty Mentor
Amita Kaundal
Abstract
Modern agriculture relies on chemical fertilizers to boost crop yields, but these short-term gains come at a steep cost:
Soil degradation: Chemicals kill beneficial soil organisms and damage soil structure over time
Water pollution: Fertilizer runoff contaminates rivers and lakes, creating toxic algae blooms
Rising costs: Fertilizer expenses now account for 30-50% of crop production costs
Climate impact: Fertilizer production and use generate significant greenhouse gas emissions
The challenge: Feed growing populations while restoring soil health and protecting the environment.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2-26-2026
Recommended Citation
Thorley, Rebecca, "Utah Wildflower Microbes Boost Plant Growth Without Using Chemical Fertilizers" (2026). Research on Capitol Hill. Paper 217.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/roch/217