Kiera Jefferson
Water pollution from agriculture is a serious threat to river health. Farmers can employ a wide range of strategies to reduce their business's impacts on water pollution, including the use of cover crops, slow-release fertilisers, and proper storage and handling of agricultural chemicals. Soil erosion is a major problem on farmland, and it can contribute to water pollution. Erosion occurs when the top layer of soil is washed away by water or wind, and it can be prevented by using cover crops. Water pollution can be divided into point-source pollution, discharged from a discrete point (e.g., a leaking slurry store), and diffuse pollution, which is caused by an action spread across a large area (e.g., nitrate leaching).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil erosion | Use cover crops to hold the soil in place |
| Use of fertilisers | Use slow-release fertilisers |
| Storage of agricultural chemicals | Use tightly sealed containers and dispose of excess chemicals according to regulations |
| Slurry and manure | Use larger, covered slurry stores to control when and where slurry and manure are spread |
| Harvesting | Plant and harvest earlier in the autumn to reduce the risk of wet soils |
What You'll Learn
Using cover crops to prevent soil erosion
Soil erosion is a major problem on farmland, and it can contribute to water pollution. Erosion occurs when the top layer of soil is washed away by water or wind. This can happen if the ground is left bare, or if there is not enough vegetation to hold the soil in place. Erosion can also occur during farming operations, such as when tilling or ploughing.
One solution to prevent soil erosion on farmland is to use cover crops. Cover crops are plants that are intentionally sown in farmland between regular crop cycles, often during the off-season. They can help to prevent soil erosion by providing a living root system that holds the soil in place. This helps to reduce the amount of soil that is washed away by water or wind.
Cover crops can also improve the structure and health of the soil. They can help to increase the organic matter content of the soil, which can improve its ability to hold water and nutrients. This can lead to improved crop yields and reduced nutrient runoff into water bodies.
When choosing cover crops, it is important to select species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Some common cover crops include rye, oats, clover, and vetch. It is also important to consider the timing of planting and harvesting cover crops. They should be planted at the end of the regular crop cycle, and given enough time to establish before the next regular crop is planted.
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Reducing the use of agricultural chemicals
Farmers can also reduce water pollution by planting cover crops, which are plants that are intentionally sown in farmland between regular crop cycles, often during the off-season. Cover crops help to prevent soil erosion, a major problem on farmland that can contribute to water pollution. Erosion occurs when the top layer of soil is washed away by water or wind, and it can happen if the ground is left bare or if there is not enough vegetation to hold the soil in place.
Additionally, farmers can reduce water pollution by examining their farming systems holistically to identify where strategies can be combined or where a more structural change would be more effective than a series of different actions. It is important to remember that reducing agricultural water pollution is an iterative process, and farmers do not need to implement all strategies at once. Instead, they can shortlist some actions for long-term investment, provided that they comply with regulations on water quality.
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Using slow-release fertilisers
Farmers can reduce water pollution by using slow-release fertilisers. Slow-release fertilisers release nutrients more slowly and are less likely to wash off fields, helping to prevent water pollution caused by excess nutrients running off fields and into nearby water sources.
Slow-release fertilisers are a type of fertiliser that releases nutrients over an extended period, typically several months or even years. This is in contrast to fast-release fertilisers, which release nutrients quickly, often within a few weeks or months. By using slow-release fertilisers, farmers can reduce the amount of nutrients that are lost to the environment and potentially end up in water sources.
One of the main advantages of slow-release fertilisers is that they can be applied less frequently than fast-release fertilisers, reducing the risk of over-application and nutrient runoff. Slow-release fertilisers also tend to be less water-soluble, meaning they are less likely to be washed away by rain or irrigation. This can help to reduce the amount of nutrients that end up in nearby waterways, where they can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic ecosystems.
In addition to using slow-release fertilisers, farmers can also take other steps to reduce water pollution, such as properly storing and handling agricultural chemicals, using cover crops, and avoiding applying fertilisers near waterways or during rain storms. By combining these practices with the use of slow-release fertilisers, farmers can help to reduce water pollution and protect the health of nearby water sources.
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Harvesting earlier in autumn
Cover crops are plants that are intentionally sown in farmland between regular crop cycles, often during the off-season. They can help to prevent soil erosion, which is a major contributor to water pollution. Soil erosion occurs when the top layer of soil is washed away by water or wind, and it can happen if the ground is left bare or if there is not enough vegetation to hold the soil in place.
Additionally, harvesting earlier in autumn can help farmers to avoid using agricultural chemicals near waterways. These chemicals can seep into local water sources and contaminate them for both human and animal use. Properly storing and handling agricultural chemicals is essential to prevent water pollution.
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Storing slurry and manure in covered stores
One way to do this is to use larger, covered slurry stores. These stores give farmers more control over when and where they spread slurry and manure. This means that farmers are not forced to spread these materials during high-risk times, such as when the ground is wet or when there is a risk of runoff. By storing slurry and manure in covered stores, farmers can help to prevent leaks and reduce the risk of water pollution.
Additionally, by using larger stores, farmers can reduce the frequency of spreading. This gives the slurry and manure more time to break down and reduces the risk of pollution. It also allows farmers to choose the most suitable conditions for spreading, such as when the ground is dry and can better absorb the nutrients.
Furthermore, covered stores can help to contain odours and reduce the impact of weather conditions on the stored materials. By preventing rainwater from entering the store, farmers can reduce the risk of runoff and the potential for pollution. Overall, storing slurry and manure in covered stores is an effective way to reduce water pollution and improve environmental sustainability.
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Frequently asked questions
Farmers can reduce water pollution by using cover crops, which are plants sown in farmland between regular crop cycles, to prevent soil erosion. They can also use slow-release fertilisers, which are less likely to wash off fields, and avoid using them near waterways.
Farmers should store and handle agricultural chemicals properly, using tightly sealed containers and disposing of excess chemicals according to regulations. They should also avoid applying these substances around water sources or during rainstorms.
Water pollution occurs when substances enter water at levels that harm the functioning of the ecosystem. This includes the addition of substances not naturally present, such as nutrients, sediment, agrochemicals, microplastics, and indirect water pollutants like ammonia.
