Question

An organization that works to protect the environment notices that a large number of lake organisms are killed when a sudden algae bloom depletes the lake of oxygen. Why do they decide to test the nitrogen level in the soil of near-by farms?

A) Using too little fertilizer causes crops to leach nitrogen from lakes.
B) Overuse of fertilizer increases nitrogen levels in water runoff which can reach lakes.
C) Nitrogen levels in soil correspond to nitrogen levels in the sediment at the bottom of a lake.
D) Too little nitrogen in soil causes algae to move into aquatic environments like lakes.

Answer 1

Overuse of fertilizer increases nitrogen levels in water runoff which can reach lakes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Farmers spread fertilizer that was created by processes such as the Haber-Bosch process over the soil of their crops. This can throw the natural nitrogen cycle off balance, creating excessive nitrogen in the soil faster than it can be converted to atmospheric nitrogen. The extra nitrogen leaches into groundwater and becomes part of runoff, which can make its way to lakes and ocean. This nitrogen acts as fertilizer for organisms like algae, causing them to reproduce out of control and deplete the oxygen levels of their aquatic environment.

Just took test and got it right!

Answer 2

Answer: B) Overuse of fertilizer increases nitrogen levels in water runoff which can reach lakes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organic fertilizers can be detrimental to the environment, when abused. Problems that can stem from overusing fertilizers include runoff and erosion, the contamination of water supplies, and disruptions to aquatic life. ... Nitrates, phosphates, and other nutrients are abundant in common agricultural fertilizers.