Agricultural pollution

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Recommended: Effects of agriculture on the environment

There are countless sources of water pollutions that exist today due to our industrious and technologically advanced lifestyles. However, the most vexing is caused by the most basic necessity for survival, Agricultural Pollution. Agricultural Pollution is defined as, “ liquid and solid wastes from all types of farming activities, including run-off from pesticide and fertilizer use, and from feedlots; erosion and dust from ploughing; animal manure and carcasses; and crop residues and debris. In essence Agricultural Pollution is a nonpoint source water pollutant since it comes from various locations and cannot be pinpointed” (EPA-web). Although there are many practices already in place that will decrease the pollution, increase productivity, and save farmers money in the long run, the farmers are careful to change practices.

Sedimentation

The most prevalent source of agricultural water pollution is soil that is washed off of fields. These fields have been treated with fertilizers and pesticides, which over time have accumulated heavy metals that are then transferred to lakes and streams. The excess particles cloud the water blocking vital oxygen and sun for the aquatic plants.

Nutrients

Farmers apply nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, manure, and potassium in the form of fertilizers to produce a better product for the consumers. When these sources exceed the plants needs or if these nutrients are applied before a heavy rain then the opportunity for these excess to wash into aquatic ecosystems exists.

Animal Feeding Practices

Farmers can efficiently feed and maintain livestock by confining them into small areas or lots. This presents a problem. Hundreds to millions of tons of manure is produced and ineffectively d...

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...eeper Alliance." Factory Farm Pollution of NC Water and Air Reported by Media. Riverlaw Blog, 10 Sept. 2011. Web. 9 Mar. 2012. .

Cunningham, William, and Mary Ann Cunningham. "Chapter 18: Water Pollution." Environmental Science. ; A Global Concern. 12th ed. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2011. 396-421. Print.

"Protecting Water Quality from Agricultural Runoff." Home. EPA, Mar. 2005. Web. 9 Mar. 2012. .

"Intro to Agricultural Water Pollution." Http://www.fao.org/docrep/W2598E/w2598e04.htm. FAO/ Natural Resources Management and Environment Management. Web. 9 Mar. 2012. .

"Facts about Pollution from Livestock Farms." NRDC:. NRDC, 13 Jan. 2011. Web. 09 Mar. 2012. .

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