In North Carolina, demand for fresh water has increased dramatically. One of the main reasons for this is increased water use for agriculture. Respond to the following in 3–5 sentences: Relate one effect of agricultural water use on North Carolina's river basins. Relate one conservation strategy that would reduce the effect of agricultural practices on water quality.
One effect of agricultural water use on North Carolina's river basins is the pollution and degradation of water quality due to the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can runoff into the nearby river basins, leading to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms that harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.
One conservation strategy that would reduce the effect of agricultural practices on water quality is implementing precision irrigation techniques. By using technologies such as drip irrigation or precision sprinklers, farmers can minimize water wastage and ensure that only the required amount of water reaches the crops. This reduces the amount of excess water and associated chemicals that runoff into the river basins, improving water quality and mitigating the negative impacts on the environment.
use simpler terms
One effect of agricultural water use on North Carolina's river basins is that it can lead to pollution and lower the quality of water. This happens because the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can wash into the river basins, causing harmful algal blooms and harming the plants and animals that live there.
One conservation strategy to reduce the negative impact of agricultural practices on water quality is to use precise irrigation techniques. This means using tools and methods that deliver just the right amount of water to crops, like drip irrigation or precision sprinklers. By doing this, farmers can avoid wasting water and reduce the amount of chemicals that end up in the river basins, helping to keep the water clean and healthy for everyone.