Nutrients
and pesticides are potential pollutants of both surface and ground
water. Pesticide and nutrient (fertilizer) use is almost ubiquitous
across our developed and agricultural landscapes. Nutrients originate
from a variety of sources including organic and inorganic fertilizers,
plant parts, animal manures and human wastes. Likewise, pesticides
are used for a wide range of purposes from disease, weed, and insect
control in agricultural production systems to control of pests in
urban lawns and landscapes.
Proper handling, use, and disposal of these important and beneficial
products is critical for preventing adverse impacts on water resources
and aquatic habitats. In order to provide larger harvests of affordable
foods, farmers often supply crops with proper nutrients (fertilizers)
and protect them from pests by applying pesticides. In maintaining
their landscapes, homeowners tend to use proportionately more fertilizers
and pesticides than do farmers and frequently have less training
in proper application methods. Human and animal health problems
can occur through excessive exposure to landscape and farm chemicals.
Environmental pollution can occur when these chemicals enter waterways
and groundwater systems. Nutrients and pesticides can enter surface
and ground waters through misapplication, movement of treated soils,
return irrigation flows, runoff from agricultural fields, stormwater
runoff and leaching through soils. Groundwater contamination from
pesticides and nutrients is a difficult long-term issue due to the
impracticality of cleansing groundwater aquifers. Agricultural producers
and homeowners should employ methods to assure proper application
of chemicals to minimize potential exposure to people, animals,
and the environment.
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Adapted from Nutrient and Pesticide Managment Theme page, http://www.usawaterquality.org/themes/pesticide/default.html
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