Agricultural pollution
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Agricultural pollution refers to biotic and abiotic byproducts of farming practices that result in contamination or degradation of the environment and surrounding ecosystems, and/or cause injury to humans and their economic interests. The pollution may come from a variety of sources, ranging from point source pollution (from a single discharge point) to more diffuse, landscape-level causes, also known as non-point source pollution. Management practices play a crucial role in the amount and impact of these pollutants. Management techniques range from animal management and housing to the spread of pesticides and fertilizers in global agricultural practices.
Water pollution due to dairy farming in the Wairarapa area of New Zealand (Photographed in 2003).
Contents
• 1 Abiotic sources
o 1.1 Pesticides
1.1.1 Pesticide leaching
o 1.2 Fertilizers
1.2.1 Leaching, runoff, and eutrophication
1.2.2 Organic contaminants
o 1.3 Heavy metals
o 1.4 Land management
1.4.1 Tillage and nitrous oxide emissions
1.4.2 Soil erosion and sedimentation
• 2 Biotic sources
o 2.1 Greenhouse gases from fecal waste
o 2.2 Biopesticides
o 2.3 Introduced species
2.3.1 Invasive species
2.3.2 Biological control
o 2.4 Genetically modified organisms (GMO)
2.4.1 Genetic contamination and ecological effects
2.4.2 GMO as a tool of pollution reduction
o 2.5 Animal management
2.5.1 Manure management
2.5.2 Manure treatment
2.5.2.1 Composting
2.5.2.2 Solid-liquid separation
2.5.2.3 Anaerobic digestion and lagoons
• 3 See also
• 4 References
Abiotic sources
Pesticides
Aerial application of pesticide.
Pesticides and herbicides are applied to agricultural land to control pests that disrupt crop production. Soil contamination can occur when pesticides persist and accumulate in soils, which can alter microbial processes, increase plant...