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The algal bloom is only part of the problem. Another big one is that due to the large amounts of nitrogen (and other) deposition plants which thirve on it (comm
by stinos 8y ago
The algal bloom is only part of the problem. Another big one is that due to the large amounts of nitrogen (and other) deposition plants which thirve on it (common grasses, nettles to name some common ones) can grow fast hereby taking away space and light of the slower growing species (herb-like species, typical flowering species found in meadows for instance). The result, after years and years, is extremely detrimental to biodiversity: some of the species are nearing extinction, sometimes together with the insects whos lifecycle depends on solely those species.
- lostlogin 8y agoDairy farming can be terrible for nitrogen runoff too. It’s a massive problem in NZ and between farming and urbanisation we have badly damaged a large portion of our waterways. https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/77058/2_12_Davie-Colley.pdf https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/00...
- stinos 8y agoYup. And there's industry/combustion engines as well. All happily releasing nitrogen in one form or another. It's sad that a lot of nature conservation organizations' work is simply just mowing/removing mowed substance/repeat and then after a years of countering the influence of nitrogen they get a meadow which looks sort of 'natural', i.e. typical vegetation for specific type of soil which used to be common decades ago. And beautiful too. On a related note: where I live a millimetered lawn without any kind of plant which isn't grass still seems to be considered the summum of gardening. But as far as nature and biodiversity goes it's almost as dead as concrete. Still a lot which could be gained in those areas as well.