When fertilizers run off farmland into streams and ponds phosphates and nitrates increase this can lead to rapid growth of algae?

A major problem with the use of fertilisers occurs when they are washed off the land by rainwater into rivers and lakes. This leaching causes an increase in the levels of minerals such as nitrate and phosphate in the water, a process called eutrophication . Eutrophication encourages the growth of algae.

What can happen when nitrogen fertilizer runs off into water sources?

High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can cause eutrophication of water bodies. Eutrophication can lead to hypoxia (“dead zones”), causing fish kills and a decrease in aquatic life.

How does fertilizer runoff affect ponds?

While herbicides often kill off desirable plants, fertilizer runoff encourages excessive growth in undesirable ones. Algae bloom, a condition in which algae overbreeds and covers the surface of the pond, can reduce the amount of sunlight in your pond and de-oxygenate the water.

What is causing an increase in the nitrogen levels in the fields?

In general, human activity releases nitrogen into the environment by two main means: combustion of fossil fuels and use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers in agriculture. Both processes increase levels of nitrogen-containing compounds in the atmosphere.

When fertilizers run off farmland into streams and ponds?

eutrophication
When fertilizers run off farmland into streams and ponds, the nitrogen content of the water increases. This can lead to rapid growth of algae in a process called eutrophication.

What happens when fertilizers get into streams and lakes?

Too much fertilizer can actually kill the plant and excess fertilizer can runoff into streams and lakes causing toxic algal blooms that are harmful to aquatic life and even people and their pets. Excess fertilizer runoff from lawns and agricultural applications also contribute to aquatic “dead zones” in coastal areas.

What are the effects of run off?

Runoff appears in uncontrolled surface streams, rivers, drains and sewers. Factors that affect runoff include the amount of rainfall, permeability, vegetation and the slope of the land. Runoff can have negative side effects that include severe erosion and an increase in pollution.

How does fertilizers affect the water?

When manure or commercial fertilizers enter surface water, the nutrients they release stimulate microorganism growth. Without sufficient dissolved oxygen in surface water, fish and other aquatic species suffocate. The resulting dead fish and other aquatic species degrade the water quality and cause unpleasant odors.

How does fertilizer or agricultural runoff affect a water system?

As agricultural runoff enters bodies of water it can have negative impacts on the environment. Not only can it contaminate sources of drinking water but the chemicals in the fertilizers can be absorbed into aquatic plants, contribute to algae blooms and effect animals’ ability to find food and reproduce.

Why do farmers add fertilizers their crops?

Fertilizers are added to crops in order to produce enough food to feed the human population. Fertilizers provide crops with nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which allow crops to grow bigger, faster, and to produce more food.

What are the common sources of excess nitrogen in pond water?

Fish, therefore, tend to be the biggest cause of high nitrate levels. However, for many, getting rid of the fish in your pond is out the question. Crowing, overstocking and over-feeding fish are sure ways that pond nitrate levels get out of control.

What does the nitrogen fertilizer do to the algae and the weeds in the stream?

Nitrogen from fertilizers sinks into soils, often creating conditions that favor the growth of weeds rather than native plants. Nitrogen then washes into waterways causing a surplus of nutrients, a situation called eutrophication. It forms when nitrogen in the water causes algae to grow and reproduce very quickly.