My first job in 1958 was applying anhydrous ammonia, one of the most dangerous chemicals, on farmland for added nitrogen to increase plant growth of corn. Before I was even aware of organic methods, the high schools following the lead of the colleges taught new and upcoming farming methods. We knew of the dangers of the chemicals and always carried extra water as water would neutralize the acid effect if we were exposed to the gas.
It only stands to reason that this highly toxic chemical is killing a large percentage of the earth worms and probably a lot of other organisms naturally occurring in the soil.
A few years ago, I read that they now recommend the addition of anhydrous for the soybean crop. Soybeans make their own nitrogen through the use of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, a naturally occurring process that makes soybeans less expensive to grow. Once you add man made nitrogen (anhydrous) the plants lose the ability to make their own nitrogen. So, now it is necessary to add chemical fertilizer to get a good yield from soybeans.
I wonder if farmers are told this or do they just go along with corporate money making schemes without questioning the wisdom.
At 'grist' on the Internet, they have an article on a long term study concerning the use of nitrogen under the title of “synthetic nitrogen destroys soil carbon, undermines soil health”. This is a rather interesting read for those who question non-organic farming methods