During decomposition, they place an oxygen demand on recieving waters which can result in stress or death amoung fish and other aquatic species. When water is contaminated by animal problems can occur. These include diseases such as infectious hepatitis, typhoid fever, dysentery and other forms of diarrhea. Excessive concentrations of salt and minerals cna render water unfit for human and animal consumption and impair the growth of plants. It can also reduce or restrict the water's value for industrial and municipal use, irrigation and propagation of fisht and wildlife.
Excessive salts can adversly alter the permeability of soils.
The most efficient and cost effective methods of controlling NPS pollution from agricultural activities are careful planning and implementation of BMPs. The term BMPs describes any practices or procedures designed to reduce pollutants or theri content in runoff before they reach a body of water. Proper implementation of BMPs can reduce pollutants associated with farming operations, including sediment, nutrients, bacteria and toxic substances such as pesticides and herbicides. Effective BMPs for Agricultural Activities Sediment Practice conservation tillage. To control erosion, leave at least a 30 percent residue from the previous crop on the soil surface after planting the new crop.