Radiation in Agriculture

The rate at which plants take in fertilizer from the soil is best understood by the use of radioisotopes tracers such as radioactive phosphorous. This helps farmers to know what fertilizers to use, when and how much, Corollary to this is the manufacture of germicides and insecticides to combat plant pests and diseases. An overdose of radiation, however, not only kills bacteria but also destroys the germinating power of seeds and affects the reproduction power of livestock.