FARM RUNOFF Meaning and
Definition
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Farm runoff refers to the excess water and any accompanying chemicals, fertilizers, or waste materials that flow from farms into nearby water bodies, such as streams, rivers, lakes, or oceans. It is a form of nonpoint source pollution that originates from agricultural activities and poses environmental and ecological challenges.
When precipitation or irrigation water runs over or through agricultural fields, it picks up various substances present in the soil or applied to the crops. These substances may include excess fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, animal manure, antibiotics, hormones, and other agricultural chemicals. As the water travels, it carries these pollutants with it into nearby water bodies.
The accumulation of farm runoff in the water bodies can contribute to water pollution and adversely impact the overall aquatic ecosystem. The excessive nutrients from fertilizers, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause algal blooms, leading to oxygen depletion and thus threatening aquatic organisms' survival. The excessive growth of algae can also block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, affecting their growth and disrupting the entire food chain. Additionally, pesticides and other chemicals present in farm runoff can harm aquatic life and contaminate drinking water sources.
To mitigate the negative impact of farm runoff, various best management practices are implemented, such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, buffer zones, and precision application of fertilizers. These practices aim to minimize soil erosion, limit the amount of pollutants entering water bodies, and promote sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
Etymology of FARM RUNOFF
The term "farm runoff" does not have a specific etymology of its own since it consists of two separate words: "farm" and "runoff". However, we can look at the origins of each word individually.
1. Farm: The word "farm" originates from the Old English word "feorm", which originally referred to a rent or payment, particularly in the form of food or provisions. Over time, it evolved to refer to the land or property where such provisions were produced. The word "farm" itself came into use around the 14th century.
2. Runoff: The word "runoff" is a compound formed from the verbs "run" and "off". "Run" originated from the Old English word "rinnan" meaning "to flow". The addition of "off" emphasizes the concept of flowing away or moving apart.
