A new study published in Nature concludes that dead zones in streams and creeks across the United States are increasing as a result of fertilizer run-off. Streams, creeks, and other similar waterways naturally filter nitrate, a component of fertilizer. However, as the streams become overloaded, they filter less and less nitrate. The nitrate that is not removed makes its way to the ocean, where it feeds algae and other organisms and contributes to dead zones in coastal areas.
But, there is a way to combat the detrimental effects of nitrate in waterways. The use of organic farming practices actually reduces nitrate leaching, leaving streams, rivers, creeks, and the like better able to filter the nitrate that runs off with the surface water. This is another reason why organic farming is better for the environment than conventional practices and why organic farming should be widely promoted.
