Impact of Agriculture on the Environment
There are several human actions that significantly harm the environment. Agriculture is one of the main human activities that harm the environment, according to Stuart, Schewe, and McDermott (2014). In consequence, this is detrimental to both human life and other forms of life.
Aquatic Life and Poor Farming Practices
Aquatic life is permanently impacted by farmers' poor farming practices. According to Stuart, Schewe, and McDermott (2014), some farmers use a much of fertilizer to increase production. They employ nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the process, which raises the acidity of the soil.
Effects of Acidic Soil on Aquatic Life
Aquatic life is harmed by acidic soil. During soil erosion, the runoff mixes with nitrogen to form nitrous components that affect aquatic and aerobic microorganisms in the soil. Acidic soil and nitrogen nutrients promote the growth of aquatic plants. In turn, these produce carbon dioxide that affects the breathing of fish (Stuart, Schewe, & McDermott, 2014). Acidic water also makes it difficult for oxygen to dissolve in water and maintain oxygen balance in the water. As a result, the organisms die due to an unfavorable environment for breathing.
Impact on Life Form
The acidic water accelerated by soil erosion changes the pH level in water bodies. When there is a high content of nitric acid in water, it interferes with the fish's ability to take oxygen, nutrients, and salt. Okazaki and Osako (2014) clarify that freshwater fishes find it difficult to maintain the balance between salts and minerals in the tissues, which it requires to survive. Moreover, the acidic water forms mucus in the fish's gills, causing difficulties in breathing and death in some circumstances. Okazaki and Osako (2014) affirm that inability to balance calcium levels in the body of a fish impairs reproduction. As a result, there would be a low number of fish populations in the lakes.
Importance of Life Form
The fish population is important to any economy. This is because it acts as a source of food for many people (Stuart, Schewe, & McDermott, 2014). In fact, it is exported to other countries to earn foreign exchange. Stuart, Schewe, and McDermott (2014) add that fish provide nutrients for children necessary for cognitive development. Therefore, it is important to sustain the fish population required to ensure people get enough food.
Conclusion
The use of excessive fertilizer increases soil acidity. In turn, soil acidity negatively affects aquatic life, particularly fish. Fish is crucial for any economy and nutrition.
References
Okazaki, E., & Osako, K. (2014). Isolation and characterization of acid-soluble collagen from the scales of marine fishes from Japan and Vietnam. Food Chemistry, 149, 264-270.
Stuart, D., Schewe, R. L., & McDermott, M. (2014).Reducing nitrogen fertilizer application as a climate change mitigation strategy: Understanding farmer decision-making and potential barriers to change in the US. Land Use Policy, 36, 210-218.
