Questions: Erosion and Soil Issues
Over-application of fertilizers can lead to which of these negative issues in water?
increased clarity
a decrease in sediments
eutrophication
increased dissolved oxygen
Transcript text: Erosion and Soil Issues
Over-application of fertilizers can lead to which of these negative issues in water?
increased clarity
a decrease in sediments
eutrophication
increased dissolved oxygen
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Analyze the question
The question asks about the negative impact of over-fertilizing on water.
Step 2: Consider the options
Increased clarity: Fertilizers typically add nutrients and promote algae growth, reducing water clarity.
A decrease in sediments: Fertilizers don't directly reduce sediments.
Eutrophication: This is the excessive growth of algae due to nutrient runoff (like fertilizers), leading to oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life.
Increased dissolved oxygen: While initial algae growth might slightly increase oxygen, the subsequent decomposition consumes it, leading to a net decrease.
Step 3: Choose the most accurate answer
Eutrophication is the primary negative consequence of fertilizer runoff in water bodies.