Incorporating fertilizers and chemicals reduces runoff by removing these substances from the runoff mixing zone. Adjusting the timing and rate of fertilizer application to coincide with crop needs decreases nitrate leaching. Nitrate losses from animal waste can be reduced by timing of manure application, diverting feedlot runoff to grass filterstrips and limiting livestock's access to surface water. Ground Water Exchange Ground water and surface water are linked through wetlands. The following explains how wetlands impact surface water quality and also affect ground water quality.
Wetlands therefore make positive contributions to soil moisture in agricultural settings.
Without wetlands acting as a catch basin, damage from flooding and water erosion will likely increase. Water in wetlands, located above the water table, enters into ground water supplies if the underlying soils allow movement. In locations where the water table slopes away from the wetland, surface water in the wetland is relatively temporary. Because much of the volume may be contributed to recharge of ground water supplies. Draining these wetlands eliminates their recharge capacity and may adversely affect the surrounding soil moisture during dry periods.