Question
Which of the following agricultural practices can lead to algal blooms? Select the two correct answers.
Answer Options:
animal waste accumulated in livestock production
erosion caused by livestock overgrazing
sediments released by tilling of soil
withdrawals of water for crop irrigation
application of nutrients to crops
Answer Options:
animal waste accumulated in livestock production
erosion caused by livestock overgrazing
sediments released by tilling of soil
withdrawals of water for crop irrigation
application of nutrients to crops
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The two agricultural practices that can lead to algal blooms are:
1. **Animal waste accumulated in livestock production** - This can introduce high levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into water bodies when it runs off into nearby streams and lakes, promoting algal growth.
2. **Application of nutrients to crops** - Similarly, the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus can run off into nearby water bodies, contributing to nutrient pollution and leading to algal blooms.
While erosion and sediment can contribute to water quality issues, the specific connection to algal blooms is primarily tied to nutrient loading. Withdrawals for irrigation, while potentially impacting water levels, do not directly cause algal blooms in the same way that excessive nutrients do.
1. **Animal waste accumulated in livestock production** - This can introduce high levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into water bodies when it runs off into nearby streams and lakes, promoting algal growth.
2. **Application of nutrients to crops** - Similarly, the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus can run off into nearby water bodies, contributing to nutrient pollution and leading to algal blooms.
While erosion and sediment can contribute to water quality issues, the specific connection to algal blooms is primarily tied to nutrient loading. Withdrawals for irrigation, while potentially impacting water levels, do not directly cause algal blooms in the same way that excessive nutrients do.