Nutrient Leaching
Nutrient leaching is the process where essential nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are washed away from the soil by water. This often occurs during heavy rainfall or irrigation, leading to a decrease in soil fertility. When nutrients are lost, plants may struggle to grow, affecting agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.
Leaching can also contribute to environmental issues, such as water pollution. When nutrients enter water bodies, they can cause problems like algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. Managing soil health and water use is crucial to minimize nutrient leaching and its negative impacts.