Also not just farms but fertilizers used on lawns also end up draining into the Mississippi and considering how many people live in the basin that isn't an insignificant amount. I am far from an expert on this but have heard there are crop management strategies such crop rotation that can reduce the amount of fertilizers used. The problem is that few farmers are willing to switch to less lucrative crops and or let some of their fields lie fallow to allow the soil to recharge.
You are correct. Corn drains nutrients from the soil faster. Arguable. Several federal programs (the article mentioned the CRP, for example) did provide motivation. (In theory economics should be the driver...) But these programs were always peanuts compared to the giant subsidies...also provided by the federal government.
GMOs are engineered to handle MORE fertilizer--specifically by the parent who makes the fertilizer. AH, Monsanto. How about we ban GMOs and stop subsidizing ethanol? Ethanol puts out more CO2 than conventional gasoline and it's less efficient. natty gas ATW Interesting article though.
Ahh that's the Mississippi...the mighty Miss.....the ooooold miss.....the old man.... Deee-eee-eeep Riveeeeer...... Spoiler
