"As already explained, **the worldwide efficiency of nitrogen uptake by crops has declined to less than 50 percent, and to below 40 percent in [[China]] and [[France]]**. In conjunction with phosphorus, soluble nitrogen compounds contaminate waters and support excessive algal growth. **Decomposing algae consume oxygen dissolved in seawater and create oxygen-less (anoxic) waters where fish and crustaceans cannot survive.** These oxygen-depleted zones are prominent along the eastern and southern coasts of the [[United States]] and along coasts in [[Europe]], [[China]], and [[Japan]]. "There are no easy, inexpensive, and rapid solutions to these environmental impacts. Better agronomic management (crop rotations, split applications of fertilizers to minimize their losses) is essential, **and reduced meat consumption would be the single-most important adjustment as it would lower the need for producing feed grains**—but sub-Saharan [[Africa]] will need much more nitrogen and phosphorus if it is to avoid chronic dependence on food imports." ([Location 3430](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08SGC3TD3&location=3430)) --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[food-security]], [[fertilisers]], [[phosphorus]], [[nitrogen]], [[oxygen]], **Source** -- [[202412030828 - B - How the World Really Works]]