Impact of Advanced Agricultural Methods on Nature

Modern

agricultural practices

Goal : Affordable supply of food to meet the demands of a growing population

Objective : More crops can be grown on less land allowing farmers to provide an increased supply of food at an affordable price Agriculture -- Impact on Nature 25.8.11 2

Global environmental impacts of agricultural expansion

Recent Intensification of agriculture = Detrimental impacts on the non agricultural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the world Doubling of agricultural food production during the past 35 years : 6.87-fold increase in nitrogen fertilization 3.48-fold increase in phosphorus fertilization, 1.68-fold increase in the amountof irrigated cropland 1.1-fold increase in land in cultivation Anticipation based on simple linear extension of past trends next doubling of = 3 -fold increases in nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization rates global food production + doubling of the irrigated land area + 18% increase in cropland Effects : Water pollution ,soil pollution and to some extent localised air pollution

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Overview of aquatic Nitrogen cycle and sources of pollution with Nitrogen

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Movement of Agricultural Chemicals Through the Hydrologic System

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Soil pollution due to agricultural practices

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Sources of Agricultural Pollution

Point Source : a single identifiable localized source -- feedlots Eg: Poultry, Animal husbandary

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Non - point source : diffused sources Agricultural runoff - Fertilisers & Pesticides Agriculture -- Impact on Nature 25.8.11 9

Causes: Monoculture & compensating the lost nutrients by chemical compounds

Effects: Loss of aquatic life & disturbed marine ecosystem Agriculture -- Impact on Nature 25.8.11 10

Other sources: Harvest wastes , plant residues burnt causing air pollution

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Insight of agricultural practice

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Categorisation of impacts at a macro level

Effects of land use change and habitat fragmentation on wildlife Effects of agricultural drainage, irrigation, and return flow on water quality Effects of genetically modified organisms on native species and habitats Effects of pesticides, nutrients, and sediments on fish and wildlife health and habitat quality Effects of watershed characteristicssoils, riparian forests, and wetlands effects on nutrient uptake, retention, and cycling Transport and fate of endocrine disrupting compounds, veterinary antibiotics, feed additives, hormones, and pathogens in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

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Impact of agricultural activity on surface water

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Impact of agricultural activity on ground water

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Mismanagement of agriculture is the root cause

Increase in irrigation area and water withdrawals Use of unlined irrigation canals Extensive monoculture and excessive use of persistent pesticides Increased salinization and salt runoff leading to salinization of major rivers Increased frequency of dust storms and salt deposition Discharge of highly mineralized, pesticide-rich return flows to main rivers Excessive use of fertilizers
Source:UNEP

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Measures to be taken at grass root level

Use fertilizers sparingly. Test the soil to see the amount of fertilizer needed Don't fertilize before a rain storm

Use organic fertilizers that release nutrients more slowly

Use commercially available compost Substitute biological methods for pesticides and never apply them near a well or water Control runoff from exposed soil, feedlots and barnyards Keep barnyards and feedlots clean, and routinely pick up livestock waste and dispose of it properly. Maintain proper storage of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals and monitor containers for leaks. Agriculture -- Impact on Nature 25.8.11 17

Macro level Initiatives needed

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Sources: Global environmental impacts of agricultural expansion: The need for sustainable and efficient practices DAVID TILMAN Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108 www.foa.org www.unep.org

Thank you
Submitted to Mrs.Uma Rani by R.Sumalatha 10011PA011 20