Question

Explain how the conversion of wetlands to farmland has impacted streams and rivers.
short paragraph

Answer 1

When wetlands are converted to farmland, the landscape loses natural sponges and filters that slow, store, and cleanse water; drainage and tile systems then send larger, faster runoff pulses carrying more sediment, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and pesticides into streams and rivers. The result is increased erosion and peak flows, more frequent and severe flooding, degraded water quality (including algal blooms and oxygen depletion), lower dry‑season baseflows and altered temperatures, and ultimately reduced aquatic habitat and biodiversity.