Nitrate Soil Article

What is the main environmental issue discussed in the article?

• Soil erosion

• Nitrate pollution in water

• Pesticide runoff

• Air pollution

What is the primary source of nitrate pollution according to the article?

• Urban runoff

• Farm fertilizer runoff

• Household waste

• Industrial waste

What solution does the article suggest to reduce nitrate pollution?

• Planting cover crops

• Using less fertilizer

• Chemical water treatment

• Banning farming near water sources

Why are cover crops beneficial for reducing nitrate pollution?

• They absorb nitrates from the water

• They prevent soil erosion

• They capture nutrients such as nitrate

• They require no fertilizer

What is the impact of cover crops on nitrate levels in water draining from fields?

• Reduces nitrate levels by about one third

• No impact

• Increases nitrate levels

• Eliminates nitrate pollution completely

What percentage of cropland in Iowa is covered by cover crops?

• About 75%

• About 2%

• About 50%

• About 10%

What is the main reason farmers are hesitant to use cover crops?

• They are a new idea and farmers want to be sure they work

• They reduce the yield of the main crops

• They are too expensive

• They harm the soil

What effect does nitrate pollution have beyond local water sources?

• It increases agricultural productivity in downstream areas

• It improves water quality in downstream areas

• It damages wildlife and fisheries all the way to the Gulf of Mexico

• It has no effect beyond local water sources

What is the reaction of farmers to the lawsuit filed by the Des Moines Water Works?

• They feel it is a slap in the face

• They support it as it brings attention to water quality issues

• They are planning to file a counter-lawsuit

• They are indifferent

What is the main challenge in solving the nitrate pollution problem according to the article?

• Lack of government support

• Misinformation about the sources of nitrate pollution

• The high cost of turning cropland into permanent grasslands

• Resistance from the agricultural industry