The picture shows a pond ecosystem that is located near a farm. Why does the farmer need to analyze the soil of the farm to apply the proper amount of fertilizer? Choose all that apply.
The excess fertilizer could block out the sun and kill the plants.
The excess fertilizer could run-off into the pond and cause an algal bloom.
The excess fertilizer contains nitrogen and causes a disruption in the nitrogen cycle.
The excess fertilizer causes the water to evaporate and causes a disruption in the water cycle.
The excess fertilizer could run-off into the pond and cause an algal bloom.
The excess fertilizer contains nitrogen and causes a disruption in the nitrogen cycle.
The correct options are:
- The excess fertilizer could run-off into the pond and cause an algal bloom.
- The excess fertilizer contains nitrogen and causes a disruption in the nitrogen cycle.
Analyzing the soil of the farm helps the farmer determine the nutrient levels in the soil, specifically nitrogen content. By understanding the nutrient content of the soil, the farmer can apply the appropriate amount of fertilizer to avoid excessive nitrogen runoff into the nearby pond. Excessive nitrogen runoff can cause an algal bloom, which can harm the pond ecosystem by depleting oxygen levels and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, excess fertilizer containing nitrogen can lead to a disruption in the nitrogen cycle, affecting the availability of nitrogen for plants and influencing the overall ecosystem dynamics.
The correct options are:
- The excess fertilizer could run-off into the pond and cause an algal bloom.
- The excess fertilizer contains nitrogen and causes a disruption in the nitrogen cycle.
To understand why the farmer needs to analyze the soil of the farm, we first need to understand the relationship between soil, fertilizer, and the pond ecosystem.
Fertilizer is often used in farming to provide essential nutrients to the plants, helping them grow and increase productivity. However, excessive application of fertilizer can have negative consequences on the environment, particularly when it comes to water bodies like ponds.
When excess fertilizer is applied to the farm, it can easily be washed away during rainfall or irrigation and end up in nearby bodies of water, such as the pond in this case. This is known as runoff. When runoff occurs, the excess fertilizer enters the pond, enriching the water with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Now, let's look at the options:
1. The excess fertilizer could block out the sun and kill the plants.
This option is not relevant to the pond ecosystem since it refers to the impact on the plants rather than the pond itself.
2. The excess fertilizer could run-off into the pond and cause an algal bloom.
This option is correct. Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, can promote the growth of algae in the pond. Algal blooms occur when there is an excessive amount of nutrients available, leading to a rapid growth of algae. This can deplete oxygen levels in the pond, causing harm to aquatic organisms and disrupting the overall balance of the pond ecosystem.
3. The excess fertilizer contains nitrogen and causes a disruption in the nitrogen cycle.
This option is correct. Excessive nitrogen from the fertilizer can disturb the natural cycling of nitrogen in the ecosystem. The pond's nitrogen cycle involves a balance between nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and plant uptake. When there is an excess of nitrogen from fertilizer runoff, it can lead to an imbalance in the nitrogen cycle, affecting the growth of aquatic plants, algae, and other organisms.
4. The excess fertilizer causes the water to evaporate and causes a disruption in the water cycle.
This option is not relevant to the pond ecosystem. Excess fertilizer does not directly cause water to evaporate or disrupt the water cycle. Its impact is primarily related to nutrient enrichment and the subsequent ecological effects.
In summary, the farmer needs to analyze the soil to determine the proper amount of fertilizer to apply. This prevents excess fertilizer from running off into the pond, causing algal blooms and disrupting the nitrogen cycle within the pond ecosystem.