INTEGRATED PROJECT

Integrated Project

Integrated Project

Aims

Land use change is arguably the most pervasive socioeconomic force driving the change and degradation of watershed ecosystems. The transition from relatively undisturbed natural habitat to agriculture or urban development can have widespread implications for watershed ecosystems. Agriculture is one of the leading causes of impairment of surface waters. The runoff generated by agricultural practices increases nutrient loadings, leading to increased algae growth and dissolved oxygen fluctuations. Urban development and the resulting conversion from pervious to impervious surfaces cause increased pollutant loads and surface runoff of toxic contaminants, nutrients, and sediment, as well as larger ...