THE SOIL IS THE GREAT CONNECTOR OF LIVES

HAPPY MONDAY,

How was your July 4th weekend? How many of you bought fireworks and did some displays in your neighborhood? I remember those days; our neighborhood would get together and we all lit up fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Those were the days, no fear and no corona virus.

The last time, that I can remember enjoying as a family lighting up fireworks was about three years ago. Dan and I visited our daughter in New York and we went to an area near the Hudson River and lit up some that we bought in Pennsylvania. As I look back when we were purchasing them, there were section’s that were more intense than others. If you know Dan, he was over in the area where of course you had to show your drivers ID. They would make a copy of your driver’s license as you checked out. Again, those were the days.

We are all like fireworks. We climb, shine and always go our separate ways and become further apart. But even if that time comes, let's not disappear like a firework, and continue to shine... forever. Tite Kubo

Discussing again on the topic of agricultural pollution, it is defined as the degradation or contamination of the environment through abiotic and biotic byproducts of farming. Yesterday, I blogged about the many sources of agricultural pollution. Now, lets continue with how these sources effects not only humans; but our universe.

HOW IT EFFECTS (HUMAN HEALTH)

There are severe effects of agricultural pollution on human health. Through an excessive use of fertilizer and pesticides, harmful chemicals can reach our groundwater. Thus, in higher amounts and in contaminated regions, drinking tap water can lead to serious health conditions.

Agricultural pollution's can also cause the contamination of rivers and lakes. Taking a bath in a contaminated lake can also cause health problems.

HOW IT LEADS TO EUTROPHICATION

An excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to the eutrophication of rivers and lakes, meaning that the production of algae is supported. This can lead to a change in the environmental conditions for animals and plants which may affect the aquatic system in an adverse manner.

FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY

Good morning Monday 😊 If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment 🌼 have a great day.

HOW IT DECREASES CROP YIELDS

Through the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, farmers are able to produce large crop yields. However, the positive effect of these substances only lasts for a certain time since the soil is likely to suffer from an excessive use of these elements.

In the long run, crop yields are likely to be reduced due to the fact that the soil will no longer have optimal characteristics for crop production due to agricultural pollution.

HOW IT CAUSES LASTING SOIL POLLUTION

Some chemicals which are part of pesticides can cause long lasting damage to the soil. This can lead to a decrease in fertility of the soil. Thus, many areas of lands which are currently used for farming purposes may not be suitable for it in the future anymore. Therefore, agricultural pollution can also lead to soil pollution.

HOW IT LEADS TO AIR POLLUTION

Agricultural pollution also leads to air pollution. Many machines used for agricultural purposes emit harmful greenhouse gases like CO2 which in turn can lead to global warming. Moreover, farm animals emit large amounts of methane which is considered as one of the most harmful greenhouse gases.

HOW IT CAUSES DESTRUCTION OF BIODIVERSITY

The use of pesticides in agriculture can kill many insects and other small animals which in turn can lead to a reduction in biodiversity. An ecosystem is a quite sensitive organism. Only small changes in the natural ecosystem can cause big effects.

For example, if some insects vanish from the ecosystem, plants will be adversely affected since these insects had been responsible for the fertilization of crops.

In turn, animals who rely on these plants as a food source are also affected since their food sources had been reduced. Thus, agricultural pollution can also lead to a loss in biodiversity.

HOW IT CAUSES WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution is another big problem which is caused by agricultural pollution. Through the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, many harmful substances will reach our lakes, rivers and eventually also the groundwater.

This will lead to adverse effects on plants, animals and also on humans since we need clean drinking water to survive and to stay healthy.

HOW IT EFFECTS THE ANIMALS

There are also adverse effects on animals from agricultural pollution. Since animals consume part of the crop yield or other parts of plants, they are heavily affected by pesticides and can even die from the consumption of contaminated crop.

HOW IT EFFECTS THE PLANTS

Agricultural pollution can become a problem for parts of the local plants since invasive species could impact the population of native species in an adverse way which in turn can change the dynamics of the whole ecosystem.

HOW IT EFFECTS THE AQUATIC LIFE

There is also an adverse effect on the aquatic system from agricultural pollution. Since the excessive use of fertilizer can contaminate rivers with an excessive supply of nitrates and phosphates, the production of algae can be enhanced. Thus, the oxygen levels are likely to decline which can cause the death of fishes and other water animals.

THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM !! WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THE SITUATION? Tomorrow the topic is solutions to the agricultural pollution problem. Yes, there are ways that this can be resolved!

Until Tuesday, Laughter is the fireworks of the soul.