6 Bad Agricultural Practices That Can Contaminate and Pollute Local Water Bodies

Across the United States, local water bodies are becoming more and more polluted with each passing day. While rapid industrialization is mostly to blame for this, one can’t deny the role certain agricultural practices play here. Because of these agricultural practices, the water pollution situation in the country is worsening. Thus, these practices must go and be replaced with more sustainable ones. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the worst agricultural practices that are contaminating local water bodies. 

#1 Excessive Chemical Fertilizer and Pesticide Usage

One of the most common agricultural practices that lead to water pollution is the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The toxic chemicals found in these products can enter your local water supply. That, in turn, will not only pollute the water but also make it somewhat poisonous. 

CNN reports almost 50 percent of America’s tap water is contaminated with chemicals. Some of the chemicals in question come directly from agricultural runoffs where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used. 

The presence of toxic chemicals is what led to the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident. According to TorHoerman Law, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated by spills from underground storage tanks and businesses. Later, it was found that the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune led to the development of cancer in many locals. 

Thus, the Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit was filed against those responsible for these spills and leaks. To this day, this lawsuit is a great example of just how bad chemicals can be when you don’t dispose of them properly. Farmers need to turn to this incident and its subsequent lawsuit to fully understand the problems of using excessive chemical products on their lands. 

#2 Poor Soil Management and Erosion

Improper soil management practices, including over-tillage and deforestation, can lead to soil erosion, which in turn contributes to water pollution. When soil is left exposed without adequate cover, it becomes susceptible to erosion during rainfall. As rainwater washes over exposed soil, it carries sediment and pollutants into local water bodies.

Sediment pollution can smother aquatic habitats, disrupt fish spawning areas, and degrade water quality by increasing turbidity. It can also transport attached pollutants like nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals, further contaminating water bodies.

#3 Animal Waste Mismanagement

According to The Guardian, America currently has an animal waste management problem. It’s also been observed that the waste, finding its way into local waterways, ends up badly polluting them. 

In many agricultural systems, livestock are an integral part of the operation. However, improper management of animal waste can result in the contamination of local water bodies. When manure and urine are not managed effectively, they can leach nutrients and pathogens into the groundwater.

The nutrients in animal waste, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can contribute to nutrient pollution, causing water quality problems such as eutrophication. Pathogens present in manure can pose health risks to humans when they come into contact with contaminated water.

#4 Excessive Irrigation

Irrigation is essential for modern agriculture, allowing farmers to grow crops in areas with insufficient rainfall. However, excessive irrigation practices can have detrimental effects on local water bodies. When farmers apply more water than the crops need, it can lead to waterlogging, which, in turn, increases the risk of groundwater contamination.

Excess irrigation water can carry away nutrients, pesticides, and salts from the soil, depositing them into nearby water bodies. This can result in water pollution and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

#5 Monoculture Farming

Monoculture farming, where a single crop is grown repeatedly on the same piece of land, is a widespread agricultural practice. While it can maximize crop yield in the short term, it can lead to soil degradation and water pollution over time. Monoculture farming often relies on the heavy use of synthetic chemicals. These chemicals can accumulate in the soil and be transported into water bodies through runoff.

Moreover, monoculture farming reduces biodiversity, making ecosystems more vulnerable to pests and diseases. This can result in increased pesticide use, exacerbating water pollution issues.

#6 Lack of Riparian Buffer Zones

Riparian buffer zones are areas of vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, located along the banks of rivers and streams. These buffer zones play a critical role in protecting water bodies from agricultural runoff and pollution. However, in many cases, farmers do not maintain or establish adequate riparian buffer zones on their properties.

Without these protective strips of vegetation, contaminants from agricultural fields can easily flow into nearby water bodies. This can lead to increased sedimentation, nutrient pollution, and the loss of habitat for aquatic species.

Conclusion

According to Gallup, water pollution has been a top concern in the US for years, and it seems the situation isn’t getting any better. Certain agricultural practices in the country are making the situation worse, but they can be prevented. As long as the agro-industry can avoid the practices discussed above, it won’t pose a threat to the country’s water bodies.

Of course, getting out of these practices won’t be easy for the community involved with agriculture. However, doing so has become very important, given how bad the situation with water pollution in the US is.