Introduction
According to the Environment, Community and government (2016) agriculture is completely linked to the environment. Even though agriculture in Ireland has had negative impacts on the environment, today’s landscape has been formed because of interactions between the farming community and nature. Feehan (2003) also states that agricultural land in Ireland moulds the shape of the countryside.
The Environment, Community and government (2016) state that some of the environmental impacts that farming has had on the environment are soil erosion due to overgrazing, eutrophication of inland waters by phosphorus from organic wastes and chemical fertilisers and a reduction in biodiversity due to habitat loss. In Ireland, the most obvious impacts that agriculture has had on the environment is water pollution.
According to the Environment, Community and government (2016) the main cause of eutrophication in Ireland is phosphorus, nitrates are also a contributor. Sources such as industrial wastes and sewage contribute to phosphorus loading however, phosphorus loading from agriculture are significant with organic farm wastes and chemical fertilisers polluting …show more content…
Human activities affect both these spheres and have disturbed the land by converting forests into agricultural land and according to Manahan (2011) agricultural intensification may reduce vegetation cover by decreasing transpiration in plants. Quevauviller, et al. (2008) also states that anthropogenic activities alter the physical and chemical environment. In addition, Manahan (2011) adds that the consequence of this is increased runoff, erosion and a build-up of silt in bodies of water and nutrient enrichment of surface waters may occur as nutrient cycles are accelerated. Bartram & Balance (1996) also state that rainfall and runoff are important factors when monitoring water
According to the Environment, Community and government (2016) agriculture is completely linked to the environment. Even though agriculture in Ireland has had negative impacts on the environment, today’s landscape has been formed because of interactions between the farming community and nature. Feehan (2003) also states that agricultural land in Ireland moulds the shape of the countryside.
The Environment, Community and government (2016) state that some of the environmental impacts that farming has had on the environment are soil erosion due to overgrazing, eutrophication of inland waters by phosphorus from organic wastes and chemical fertilisers and a reduction in biodiversity due to habitat loss. In Ireland, the most obvious impacts that agriculture has had on the environment is water pollution.
According to the Environment, Community and government (2016) the main cause of eutrophication in Ireland is phosphorus, nitrates are also a contributor. Sources such as industrial wastes and sewage contribute to phosphorus loading however, phosphorus loading from agriculture are significant with organic farm wastes and chemical fertilisers polluting …show more content…
Human activities affect both these spheres and have disturbed the land by converting forests into agricultural land and according to Manahan (2011) agricultural intensification may reduce vegetation cover by decreasing transpiration in plants. Quevauviller, et al. (2008) also states that anthropogenic activities alter the physical and chemical environment. In addition, Manahan (2011) adds that the consequence of this is increased runoff, erosion and a build-up of silt in bodies of water and nutrient enrichment of surface waters may occur as nutrient cycles are accelerated. Bartram & Balance (1996) also state that rainfall and runoff are important factors when monitoring water