What practice can help prevent nutrient pollution in waterways?

Implementing riparian buffer zones is a highly effective practice for preventing nutrient pollution in waterways. Riparian buffer zones consist of vegetated areas adjacent to water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. These zones are instrumental in filtering out pollutants, including excess nutrients from agricultural runoff, before they can enter the waterways.

The vegetation in these buffer zones helps to absorb and utilize nutrients, reducing the amount that would otherwise reach the water. Additionally, the root systems stabilize the soil, minimizing erosion and sedimentation, which can also carry pollutants into the aquatic systems. The plant life in these areas can trap sediments and filter out nutrients, effectively improving water quality and promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems.

In contrast, practices such as over-irrigation, applying fertilizers heavily before rainfall, and planting crops without ground cover can contribute to nutrient pollution. Over-irrigation can lead to runoff that carries excess nutrients into water bodies, while applying fertilizers just before heavy rain can wash those fertilizers directly into waterways. Planting without ground cover can lead to soil erosion and nutrient loss, further exacerbating the problem of nutrient pollution. Thus, establishing riparian buffer zones emerges as a beneficial strategy for protecting water quality.