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 an increased level of nutrient runoff. Excess fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture can wash into the river basins, leading to water pollution and harmful algal blooms.
One conservation strategy that would reduce the effect of agricultural practices on water quality is implementing precision agriculture techniques. This involves using technology such as GPS and sensors to apply fertilizers and pesticides in a more targeted manner, only where and when they are needed. This can minimize nutrient runoff and reduce the amount of chemicals entering the river basins.