Why is nutrient management important for sustainability in agriculture?

Nutrient management is crucial for sustainability in agriculture primarily because it ensures the health of soil and water resources. Effective nutrient management practices help maintain an optimal balance of nutrients in the soil, which is essential for healthy crop growth. This balance not only improves crop yields but also minimizes the risk of nutrient runoff into nearby water bodies, thereby protecting water quality.

When nutrients are managed correctly, it reduces the chances of over-fertilization, which can lead to environmental issues such as eutrophication—a process where excess nutrients in water bodies lead to excessive growth of algae, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. Moreover, sustainable nutrient management practices contribute to soil health by enhancing its structure, fertility, and microbial activity, ensuring that the agricultural ecosystem remains productive over the long term.

Other options do not capture the holistic role of nutrient management in sustainability as effectively. Increasing crop rotation frequency might improve pest management and soil health but does not inherently address nutrient balance. Focusing solely on organic farming methods limits the broader applicability of nutrient management across different farming systems. Moreover, the allowance for unregulated fertilizer use goes against the principles of sustainability and can lead to negative environmental impacts.