How do intensive farming practices affect water resources?

Intensive farming practices can lead to water pollution, overuse of water resources, and degradation of water ecosystems.

Intensive farming, also known as intensive agriculture, is a type of farming where a lot of capital and labour are used to increase the yield that can be obtained per area. The high use of fertilisers and pesticides, common in intensive farming, can lead to water pollution when these chemicals leach into groundwater or run off into rivers and lakes. This can harm aquatic life and make the water unsafe for human consumption.

Moreover, intensive farming often involves irrigation, which can lead to overuse of water resources. In areas where water is scarce, this can exacerbate water shortages and lead to conflicts over water rights. It can also cause soil degradation, as the constant watering can wash away vital nutrients and lead to soil erosion.

In addition, the conversion of natural habitats into farmland can degrade water ecosystems. For example, the draining of wetlands to create farmland can destroy habitats for many species and disrupt the natural water cycle. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and increase the risk of flooding.

Furthermore, the high density of livestock in intensive farming can produce large amounts of waste, which can contaminate water resources if not properly managed. This can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases and pose a serious threat to public health.

In conclusion, while intensive farming can increase food production, it can also have serious impacts on water resources. Therefore, it is important to implement sustainable farming practices to minimise these impacts and protect our water resources.