Eutrophication is often caused by excess limiting-nutrient runoff from agricultural fields into aquatic ecosystems. This process results in massive algal blooms that eventually die and decompose, ultimately depleting the dissolved oxygen, killing large numbers of fish and other aquatic organisms. Predict which of the following human actions would best address the problem of eutrophication near agricultural areas?
A) After each eutrophication event, remove the dead fish and invertebrates to place on agricultural fields instead of fertilizer.
B) Determine which limiting nutrient is responsible for the algal bloom, and use other fertilizers to apply to crops.
C) Remove the algae before it dies and decomposes to prevent eutrophication from occurring.
D) Determine critical nutrient loads required for certain crops, and do not exceed this amount during fertilizer application.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Determining the critical nutrient loads required for crops and ensuring that fertilizer application does not exceed this amount directly addresses the root cause of eutrophication by preventing excess nutrients from entering aquatic ecosystems. This approach minimizes the runoff of limiting nutrients that contribute to algal blooms.

Eutrophication Is Often Caused by Excess Limiting-Nutrient Runoff from Agricultural