There are many different processes involved in growing crops. For example, a farmer might clear native trees and other plants from a plot to increase usable land, till the soil using large machines, and add fertilizer to increase soil quality before any seeds are actually planted. Which statement best describes two impacts that these processes might have on the environment?
A.
The processes used to grow crops would likely increase air pollution and cause fertilizer runoff.
B.
The processes used to grow crops would likely decrease water pollution and protect native plants.
C.
The processes used to grow crops would likely prevent fertilizer runoff and decrease water pollution.
D.
The processes used to grow crops would likely protect native plants and decrease greenhouse gas emission.
A. The processes used to grow crops would likely increase air pollution and cause fertilizer runoff.
A. The processes used to grow crops would likely increase air pollution and cause fertilizer runoff.
The correct statement is A. The processes used to grow crops would likely increase air pollution and cause fertilizer runoff.
To arrive at this answer, let's break down the impacts of the mentioned processes on the environment:
1. Clearing native trees and plants: This process involves cutting down trees and removing existing vegetation from the plot. As a result, the habitat for native plants and animals could be destroyed, leading to a loss in biodiversity.
2. Tilling the soil: Tilling involves using large machines to break up and turn over the soil. While this process helps to prepare the soil for planting, it can also cause soil erosion. When the soil is exposed, wind and water can easily carry it away, leading to pollution of nearby water bodies and increased sedimentation.
3. Adding fertilizer: Adding fertilizer can enhance soil fertility, but excessive or improper use can have negative consequences. When there is excess fertilizer applied to the soil, it can runoff into nearby water sources such as rivers or lakes. This runoff can lead to water pollution and cause harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems, including algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Additionally, some fertilizers can release ammonia and nitrous oxide, which contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Therefore, option A is the most accurate statement as the described processes would likely increase air pollution and cause fertilizer runoff, both of which can have detrimental effects on the environment.