In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, we talk with National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) soil scientist Dr. Daniel Rath about NRDC’s report “The Nitrogen Pollution Crisis” and the growing problem of nitrate contamination in drinking water, including acute issues in Des Moines and widespread impacts on wells and municipal systems nationwide. Dr. Rath explains why nitrogen is essential for crop yields and soil organic matter, how policies and incentives have driven over-application (with 40–60% not taken up by crops), and the resulting harms to human health, climate, and biodiversity, from cancer and preterm birth risks to nitrous oxide emissions and algal blooms. They discuss economic costs borne by communities and well owners, limits of voluntary conservation programs, the case for regulatory standards and supply-chain contract changes, and the need for better fertilizer and monitoring data.
Links from the episode:
You can find a copy of the report here.
Credits:
Podcast name and design: Laurie S
Theme Song: Tyler J
Recording, Editing, Producing: Adam Shriver
