What aspect of fertilizer application can slow-release fertilizers help mitigate?

Slow-release fertilizers are designed to release nutrients gradually over an extended period, which helps to mitigate nutrient runoff. When fertilizers are applied all at once, especially in high concentrations, they can lead to excessive nutrients being washed away during rainfall or irrigation events. This runoff not only wastes fertilizers but can also cause environmental issues, such as water pollution and algal blooms in nearby water bodies.

By using slow-release fertilizers, the nutrients are provided to the plants at a controlled rate, aligning more closely with their uptake needs. This approach reduces the likelihood of excess nutrients being present in the soil at any one time, thus minimizing the potential for them to be washed away into waterways. This characteristic of slow-release fertilizers makes them a more environmentally friendly option that can help maintain the balance of nutrients in both the soil and surrounding ecosystems.