Hauptschein, Dina
Koshy, Olivia
Xie, Yuan
Honors Biology, Period 4
3-10-12
Agricultural Runoff – Cheat Sheet
WHAT IS IT?
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When Pesticides, nutrients, and fertilizers are picked up and then deposited into
large bodies of water
Type of Nonpoint Source Pollution (The pollutants are picked up and transported
during rain and snowmelt events. The rain/snowmelt picks up humans made
pollutants and transport them into rivers, lakes, etc.)
IMPORTANCE TO BEING STOPPED
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Deadly effects on human health:
 Ruin drinking water
 Destroy rivers, ponds, and wetland’s ecosystems
 Ruin swimming and boating opportunities
When humans are careless they affect ecosystems and habitats in a bad way. This is
a problem that could be stopped if take care of.
HOW DOES AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF HAPPEN?
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Sedimentation - Runoff collecting loosen soil and then depositing it in ponds,
causing burying of plants, larva, clouds water, can clog gills of fish, and many times
fertilizers and pesticides are mixed in this soil.
Nutrients – When excess fertilizers are applied the excess is picked up in rainwater,
and carried to aquatic ecosystems causing algae bloom, which depletes the oxygen
of the pond. It can also run into drinking water creating tainted water with foul
orders.
Animal Feeding Operations – If farmers keep all their animals in tight confined
spaces they create an enormous amount of waste. Runoff from these farms that are
badly maintained can carry bacteria, viruses, excess nutrients, and more that can
cause problems in the water it is carried to. It can also be carried to drinking water
spreading bacteria and viruses.
Livestock Grazing – When cattle overgrazes in an area it cause the soil to be exposed
making it easier for sedimentation to occur, which can destroy aquatic ecosystems
as state above.
Irrigation - When crops are overwatered it can cause erosion and carry nutrients
and pesticides to aquatic life.
Pesticides – When farmers over apply pesticides, they can runoff into aquatic life
and drinking water contaminating it.
Prevention
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Sedimentation-Control the flow of water which would help keep the soil in place,
reducing sedimentation.
Nutrient Overflow-Farmers can create management plans that would make sure not
to over use fertilizers, while still maintaining the amount of crops and saving money
by not overusing the fertilizers
Animal Feeding Operations-Ranches and farmers need to make sure that their
animal’s wastes are disposed of in a correct manner, and by managing wastewater.
Livestock Grazing- Farmers need to ensure the fact that their animals are not
overgrazing an area, which can cause soil to loosen. Provide animals with alternate
sources to graze, find shade, water etc.
Controlling Irrigation Systems-Control amount of water applied to plants, no need to
over water.
Also farmers can switch to more efficient irrigation systems
Pesticides-Farmers should use Integrated Pest Management. These techniques base
the amount of pesticides used on specific soil, climate, pest history, crop conditions
etc.
o This limits pesticides to only NECCASARY amount
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Specifically for Non Agriculture Runoff:
 GO ORGANIC!
Specifically for other Non-Point Source Pollution:
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Dispose of pet waste, leaves, and debris properly. If not disposed properly, it can
end up in outlets that lead directly into ponds, lakes, etc.
Don’t over apply fertilizers. Follow directions on the packet.
Dispose of household chemicals correctly, such as paint, oil, and antifreeze. For
example, household chemicals can lead to spilling which would travel to drains
when it rains
Clean your car’s oils, grease, and antifreeze. This should be done on grass because
the soil absorbs moisture.
Use detergents, and cleaning products low in phosphorous and other chemicals.
OUTLOOK
1. National Water Program: safe and reliable source of water
2. Farm*A*Syst: preventing pollution on farms, ranches, and in homes using
confidential environmental evaluations
3. 2008 NRCS Farm Bill Conservation Programs (Farm and Ranch Lands Protection
Program): matches funds to purchase developmental rights to help maintain
productive farms and ranchlands in agricultural uses.