AGRICULTURE ⇨ GROUNDWATER

What’s the Story?

Feel a squeeze & a pull? Water drops slowly seep from the agricultural soil into the groundwater, moving gradually between sediment particles like soil, sand, and gravel, or through cracks in areas of solid rock. This happens due to the forces of gravity and water pressure. It is important for groundwater to be recharged (refilled) to maintain aquifers and the overall balance of the water cycle! Large areas of permeable soil surfaces (without pavement), like farms, are very important for this groundwater recharge to happen. Unfortunately, when water from farms seeps into the ground, it will carry with it dissolved substances, which sometimes are harmful. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and excess nutrients and bacteria from animal waste can all contaminate groundwater after agricultural use, making it unsafe for drinking (well water) or causing pollution as the water continues its journey through the water cycle.

Click on your water drop above to travel to the Groundwater next!!