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Agricultural Pollution: Runoff, Fertilizers, and Pesticides

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge on agricultural pollution, specifically focusing on runoff, fertilizers, and pesticides. You will be presented with questions related to the causes, effects, and management of agricultural pollution.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: agricultural pollution runoff fertilizers pesticides environmental science
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary cause of agricultural runoff?

  1. Over-irrigation

  2. Heavy rainfall

  3. Deforestation

  4. Urbanization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Over-irrigation, or the excessive application of water to crops, is the main cause of agricultural runoff. When water is applied in excess, it cannot be absorbed by the soil and instead flows over the land, carrying pollutants with it.

Which of the following is NOT a common pollutant found in agricultural runoff?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Phosphorus

  3. Pesticides

  4. Carbon dioxide


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Carbon dioxide is not a common pollutant found in agricultural runoff. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides are all commonly found in agricultural runoff and can have negative impacts on water quality.

What is the primary environmental impact of nitrogen runoff from agriculture?

  1. Eutrophication of water bodies

  2. Acidification of soil

  3. Depletion of ozone layer

  4. Global warming


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Nitrogen runoff from agriculture is a major contributor to eutrophication, which is the process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive plant growth and a decrease in oxygen levels.

Which of the following is NOT a management practice to reduce phosphorus runoff from agriculture?

  1. Contour farming

  2. Terracing

  3. Cover cropping

  4. Fertilizer application in the fall


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Fertilizer application in the fall is not a recommended practice for reducing phosphorus runoff from agriculture. Fall application increases the risk of phosphorus loss due to heavy rains and snowmelt during the winter months.

What is the primary mode of transport for pesticides from agricultural fields to water bodies?

  1. Wind erosion

  2. Water runoff

  3. Leaching

  4. Volatilization


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Water runoff is the primary mode of transport for pesticides from agricultural fields to water bodies. Pesticides can be carried away by runoff water during rainfall or irrigation events.

Which of the following is NOT a potential health risk associated with pesticide exposure?

  1. Cancer

  2. Neurological disorders

  3. Respiratory problems

  4. Vitamin D deficiency


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vitamin D deficiency is not a known health risk associated with pesticide exposure. Cancer, neurological disorders, and respiratory problems are all potential health risks associated with exposure to pesticides.

What is the primary goal of integrated pest management (IPM) in agriculture?

  1. Complete elimination of pests

  2. Reduction of pesticide use

  3. Increase in crop yield

  4. Eradication of all pests


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The primary goal of integrated pest management (IPM) in agriculture is to reduce the reliance on pesticides by employing a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical control methods.

Which of the following is NOT a biological control method for pests in agriculture?

  1. Use of natural predators

  2. Release of sterile insects

  3. Application of chemical pesticides

  4. Introduction of beneficial insects


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Application of chemical pesticides is not a biological control method for pests in agriculture. Biological control methods involve the use of living organisms to control pests.

What is the primary purpose of crop rotation in agricultural pest management?

  1. Increase soil fertility

  2. Control weeds

  3. Reduce pesticide use

  4. Prevent soil erosion


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Crop rotation is a cultural control method used in agricultural pest management to reduce the need for pesticides. By rotating crops, farmers can disrupt the life cycle of pests and reduce their populations.

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for reducing the environmental impact of fertilizers in agriculture?

  1. Using organic fertilizers

  2. Applying fertilizers based on soil tests

  3. Splitting fertilizer applications

  4. Applying fertilizers in the fall


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Applying fertilizers in the fall is not a recommended practice for reducing the environmental impact of fertilizers in agriculture. Fall application increases the risk of nutrient loss due to heavy rains and snowmelt during the winter months.

What is the primary environmental impact of agricultural pesticides on aquatic ecosystems?

  1. Eutrophication

  2. Acidification

  3. Bioaccumulation

  4. Global warming


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The primary environmental impact of agricultural pesticides on aquatic ecosystems is bioaccumulation. Pesticides can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, including fish, and can have negative effects on their health and survival.

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of agricultural pollution on human health?

  1. Water contamination

  2. Food contamination

  3. Air pollution

  4. Vitamin D deficiency


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vitamin D deficiency is not a known consequence of agricultural pollution on human health. Water contamination, food contamination, and air pollution are all potential consequences of agricultural pollution that can have negative impacts on human health.

What is the primary goal of sustainable agriculture in relation to agricultural pollution?

  1. Complete elimination of agricultural pollution

  2. Reduction of pesticide use

  3. Increase in crop yield

  4. Eradication of all pests


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The primary goal of sustainable agriculture in relation to agricultural pollution is to reduce the negative impacts of agricultural activities on the environment, including water pollution, air pollution, and soil degradation.

Which of the following is NOT a key element of sustainable agriculture practices?

  1. Soil conservation

  2. Water conservation

  3. Pesticide reduction

  4. Monoculture farming


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Monoculture farming, or the practice of growing a single crop on the same land year after year, is not a key element of sustainable agriculture practices. Sustainable agriculture promotes crop rotation and diversification to improve soil health and reduce the need for pesticides.

What is the primary role of precision agriculture in reducing agricultural pollution?

  1. Increasing crop yields

  2. Reducing pesticide use

  3. Improving soil fertility

  4. Preventing soil erosion


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Precision agriculture utilizes technology to collect and analyze data on crop health, soil conditions, and pest populations. This data-driven approach allows farmers to make informed decisions on pesticide application, reducing the amount of pesticides used and minimizing their environmental impact.

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