Water (Hydrology)

This chapter outlines the biological impacts of water use and pollution related to agricultural systems. Topics include drainage, irrigation, water harvesting, and the water cycle (e.g. under polytunnels and greenhouses) and how management of water for agriculture links with biology. Water availability as a limiting factor for agriculture is discussed, particularly in relation to arid areas (e.g. salinization, biological impacts of collecting water for storage for agriculture in arid areas). Outputs from agriculture and potential biological impacts are also explored (e.g. nitrates, phosphates, pesticides, bacterial pathogens, sediment in water). Potential management tools for water use and protection in relation to farming are introduced.