Nitrogen fertilisers on grasslands may trigger hay fever

Substances 'cause pollen spike'

- By Rebecca Speare-Cole

GRASSLANDS covered with nitrogen fertilisers are more likely to trigger hay fever, a study has revealed.

These fields can produce six times more pollen than their unfertilised counterparts, it was said.

Nitrogen-rich substances now widely used in agriculture to boost crop growth increase the rates significantly, researchers claimed.

In the study, the authors wrote: “In an era of ever-increasing nitrogen pollution worldwide, particularly in regions with intensive agricultural practices, our findings highlight the urgent need for integrated strategies.

“To not only address its biodiversity and environmental impact but also the human health impact posed by nitrogen pollution.”