Uptake of excess pesticides is improved due to increased plant density and vigor. In cases of deficiency, the addition of nutrients is expected to slightly increase the amount of organics found in both surface and groundwater. However this seems to be offset by improved plant vigor, density, soil tilth, and reduced sedimentation. The improvement in vegetation diversity and the decrease in runoff will reduce the amount of erosion and sediment yield. Improved vegetative cover acts as a filter to trap the movement of dissolved and sediment attached substances, such as nutrients and chemicals from entering downstream water courses .
Aquatic habitat is improved due to decrease in organics, and chemicals in runoff water.
Major reductions are expected in the amount of nitrate nitrogen that reaches ground water. A corresponding reduction in the contamination of private and domestic wells is expected. Streams, lakes and other surface water bodies will receive less phosphorus resulting in decreased eutrophication. The addition of nutrients, in the case of deficiency, has been shown to have only a very slight effect on water quantity due to increased uptake by more vigorous plant growth and density. The addition of nutrients in the case of deficiency has been shown to decrease airborne sediment, and smoke particles due to increased vegetative growth and crop residue.