Abstract
Using Midwest corn farmers’ nitrogen fertilizer use as an example, this chapter illustrates how input industries shape farmers decisions in ways that are harmful to the environment and farmers. The fertilizer industry has expanded to include a range of services, built relationships of trust with farmers, and are a primary source of information guiding fertilizer application rates. Seed companies control commercial corn farmers’ access to seeds, how long varieties are available, and the bulk of all knowledge about these varieties. Contracts for seed corn farmers pit farmers against each other in a competitive tournament system that results in excessive fertilizer application. Seed company representatives also directly tell both commercial and seed corn farmers to add additional fertilizer. These influences contribute to surface and ground water pollution and also increase nitrous oxide emissions, contributing to climate change. Input industries continue to further these negative impacts to farmers, ecosystems, and society.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Handbook on the Human Impact of Agriculture |
Publisher | Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. |
Pages | 51-64 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781839101748 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781839101731 |
State | Published - Jan 1 2021 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Economics, Econometrics and Finance
- General Business, Management and Accounting
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
- General Social Sciences