CRUX ESSAY CONTEST WINNER 2019 - 2020
Apart from the large amounts of water expenditure in conventional farming , the water
runoff from irrigation poses another serious problem . Because much of the water usage in
field irrigation is wasted in runoff , conventional farming is a major contributor to
environmental pollution . According to the EPA ’ s National Water Quality Assessment ,
pollution from agricultural runoff is the “ leading source of water quality impacts on
surveyed rivers and streams , the third largest source for lakes , the second largest source of
impairments to wetlands , and a major contributor to contamination of surveyed estuaries
and ground water ” (“ Nonpoint Source : Agriculture ”). Fish are being poisoned . Earth ’ s
natural habitats for wildlife are gradually being destroyed . Washed - off soil , heavy metals ,
and toxic substances — including chemicals originally meant for killing agricultural pests
like insecticides , herbicides , and fungicides — all pollute unintended water sources ,
impairing the health of both humans and wildlife . How can agriculture continue with
such devastating side effects to our coastal , land , and ground waters ? Again , vertical farms
are totally enclosed and separated in their own indoor space . This responsible method of
growing crops will protect the environment from any overflow of unwanted
contaminants .
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