Lake Erie eutrophication, in which additional nitrogen and phosphorus enter the lake, will cause plant life to "run wild and multiply like crazy". Since there are fewer wetlands, which are like "Nature's kidneys" by filtering nutrients, as well as greater "channelization of waterways", nutrients in water can cause algal blooms to sprout as well as "low-oxygen dead zones" in a complex interaction of natural forces. As of the 2010s much of the phosphorus in the lake comes from fertilizer applied to no-till soybean and corn fields but washed into streams by heavy rains. The algal blooms result from growth of Microcystis, a
Korean natural farming enhanced SI within 2 cropping cycles. KNF posits three primary stages of plant growth. Each stage requires a different balance of nutrients. In the growth phase, the plant extends its roots, branches and foliage. The key nutrient in this stage is nitrogen. KNF prefers the use of a preparation of fish amino acids for this phase. After the plant has reached sufficient size, the plant diverts its energy into making flowers to attract pollinators. The key nutrients in this stage are calcium and phosporous. KNF prefers the use of a preparation of fermented plant juice and other amendments for this