In North Carolina, demand for fresh water has increased dramatically. One of the main reasons for this is increased water use for agriculture.
1. Relate one effect of agricultural water use on North Carolina's river basins.
2. Relate one conservation strategy that would reduce the effect of agricultural practices on water quality.
1. Agricultural water use can lead to increased runoff of pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants into North Carolina's river basins, which can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health.
2. One conservation strategy that would reduce the effect of agricultural practices on water quality is the implementation of best management practices (BMPs), such as reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, implementing erosion control measures, and using irrigation systems that optimize water use efficiency. Another strategy is the creation and maintenance of riparian buffers, which are vegetated areas along waterways that can reduce the amount of contaminants reaching the water and provide habitat for wildlife. Additionally, promoting the use of cover crops and conservation tillage practices can help reduce erosion and runoff of pollutants.