Phosphates in detergent hurt both plants and animal life.
Phosphorus can have a dual role in the growth of plants in our environment. It's both an essential element, providing nutrients for root growth and flower production, and a detrimental contaminant, creating wild overgrowth that clogs waterways and kills aquatic creatures. Many detergent products, as well as other items, contain phosphates that make their way into the environment, damaging both plant and aquatic life.
Overgrowth of Plants
Detergent phosphates often leach into environmentally sensitive areas like lakes and waterways through soil erosion and rainwater. Aquatic plants can then grow wildly, due to the phosphorus in the detergent, causing "eutrophication," or nutrient excess. This condition is caused by the overgrowth of algaes, red tide, and the overgrowth of bacteria when large amounts phosphate-fed aquatic plants die. It can so disturb the balance in a body of water that high numbers of fish and other aquatic life can die.
Leaf Damage
Many gardeners use soaps and detergents as insecticides for their garden plants. The mechanism by which these detergents work to control insect infestations is not well understood. They appear to remove the coatings on the insects' bodies and interfere with cellular processes. These detergent products can also harm the waxy, protective coating on plant leaves leading to cellular damage to the plant. Some plants are particularly susceptible to damage, such as portulaca, sweet peas, cherries, and plum. Dilute your detergent to minimize the potential damage.
Root Damage
The same processes that damage the leaves of plant when in contact with detergent phosphates can also injure the root systems of these plants. Those who use gray water to water garden plants are adding the residual phosphates from dishing liquids and laundry detergents directly to the soil. Plant roots directly contact these ingredients, which are harsh chemicals that often include ammonia and bleach, which can damage root cells, aggravate salt damage, and increase zinc deficiency.
Soil Contamination
Detergent phosphates also contain sodium salts that can build up in soil and cause damage to the soil structure. This will result in poor plant growth, particularly in salt sensitive plants. Those who use gray water, water that has been used for cleaning and washing, in gardens can find that their soil has become highly alkaline because of this salt buildup. Periodically test your soil for excess sodium salts. A pH reading of 7.5 or above indicates too much sodium in the soil. It can be corrected with gypsum, that is, sodium sulfate, spread on top of the soil at a rate of 2 lbs. for every 100 square feet.
Related posts
Some household detergents in water harm plant growth.Heightened awareness surrounding conservation and drought directs home wastewater use on gardens and plants. Recycling household gray water lea...
All plants require phosphorus for adequate growth.Plants require phosphorus in large amounts for adequate growth. A plant deficient in phosphorus will show stunted growth or leaf browning that spr...
Water damage on drywall can be much more than a cosmetic issue.There are few things more damaging to a home then a prolonged leak that causes water damage. When water gets in to places it shouldn'...
Growing palm trees at home can add this tree's distinct look and aesthetic to any garden or landscaped area. However, as when planting all other trees and plants, take into consideration whether t...
Don't buy too much extra mud as it will eventually expire.Drywall joint compound comes in many different formulations, but none of them last forever. The mud can dry out, become moldy or otherwise...
