Title: Causes, Effects and Solutions for Agricultural Pollution - E&C
Headings: Agricultural Pollution: Causes, Effects & Solutions
Causes, Effects and Solutions for Agricultural Pollution
Agricultural Pollution: Causes, Effects & Solutions
Audio Lesson
Contents
Causes for Agricultural Pollution
Excessive use of pesticides and herbicides
Use of large amounts of fertilizer
Contaminated water
Heavy metals
Soil erosion
Animal management
Manure management
Introduced species
Genetically modified organisms
Land management
Greenhouse gases from fecal waste
Effects of Agricultural Pollution
Effects on human health
Eutrophication
Decrease in crop yields
Soil pollution
Air pollution
Destruction of biodiversity
Water pollution
Effects on animals
Effects on plants
Effects on aquatic life
Solutions to the Agricultural Pollution Problem
Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides
Avoid soil erosion by planting all over the year
Plant trees or grasses along the edges of fields
Adjust the intensity of the tillage of a field
Improve manure management
Change our consumption behavior
Prevent excess nutrients from reaching the water
Raise the awareness of farmers on the topic of agricultural pollution
Education
Convince others
Conclusion
Sources
About the author

Content: Contaminated water
The use of contaminated water for agricultural purposes is a significant issue. While most of the water in developed countries is relatively clean, this can be quite different in developing countries. The water can be contaminated due to the disposal of industrial, agricultural or private waste into rivers, lakes or other water systems. This can cause the crops being contaminated with chemicals and harmful elements like lead or even mercury. In turn, these crops are used by humans as well as to feed animals and thus can harm both in a severe way. Heavy metals
The use of fertilizers and organic waste like manure can also lead to an accumulation of heavy metals in the soil. Some farming techniques like irrigation can lead to an accumulation of selenium. The accumulation of heavy metals can lead to the contamination of the groundwater and may thus harm animals, plants and even humans on later stages. Soil erosion
Soil erosion and sedimentation can be regarded as a natural form of agricultural pollution, however, it can also be harmful to the environment. Farmers are often not aware of soil erosion and sedimentation and do not protect their fields against this issue.