For years, residents in California’s Salton Sea area have experienced adverse health effects. A new UC Davis study, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that these issues may stem not only from the drying lake, but also undercounted emissions released from fertilized soil, which are likely contributing to the area’s high asthma rates and poor air quality. Researchers found that nitrogen oxide emissions in the region’s soil are 10 times higher than what state regulators allow, negatively impacting area air quality and exceeding limits of ozone and particulate matter standards. The elevated emissions come from agricultural practices in the region, where the sandy soil means large amounts of fertilizer are required for productive farming. Fertilizer sales have grown by 137% in Imperial County since 1991, the study also found.