SummaryRate of fertilizer applied per unit area (kg/ha). Fertilizer contains chemicals (e.g., forms of nitrate) that can harm aquatic ecosystems and degrade drinking water quality. General Information about this IndicatorWhat is it?: Application of fertilizers to agricultural fields can impair local and regional waterways, directly and indirectly affecting trophic state, native and non-native plant and animal species, drinking water quality, and bioaccumulation of mercury. (also in Goal 5)