Examine the environmental impact of agriculture and irrigation on water quality. Salinization, agro chemical runoff, pollution of ground water, eutrophication of rivers, lakes and wetlands.

1. IB Geogaphy – Freshwater
Irrigation and Agriculture (3hrs)
Objective:
Examine the
environmental
impact of
agriculture and
irrigation on
water quality.

2. Impact 1 - Salinization

3. Salinization
• http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/publications/files/salinzation.pdf
• Task 1 – Open the hyperlink and read the information on
Salinization. Summarise how the process happens and
how it is linked to irrigation and agriculture. Briefly
explain how its effects can be combatted.
• http://www.dawn.com/2002/10/14/ebr10.htm This link
explains the problems caused by Salinization in the
Indus Valley, Pakistan. Read over the document put pay
particular attention to the fifth paragraph onwards.
• Create two spider diagrams that show 1. The causes fo
Salinization in the Indus Valley and 2. The effects …..
• PPM = Parts per million

4. Impact 2 - Agro-Chemical Runoff
• Watch the video on the following slide.
• Make notes under the following headings:
• Case study location
• How much pesticide is used every year?
• What is a pesticide?
• Links to agriculture and runoff.
• Effects on the environment.
• Protection measures.

5. Agro Chemical Runoff

6. Impact 3 - Groundwater
Contamination
• Watch the video on the next slide and read
the information on the web link here
• http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Oc-
Po/Pollution-of-Groundwater.html
• Summarise all the ways that groundwater
pollution can occur by agriculture and
irrigation and associated management
strategies.

7. Groundwater Contamination

8. Impact 4 - Eutrophication of rivers,
lakes and wetlands.
• Turn to page 494 of Integrated Approach
• Copy Figure 16.50 under the heading at the top
of this slide.
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2003/aug/11/
sciencenews.theguardianlifesupplement1
• Read the newspaper article and summarise the
main causes of eutrophication of our freshwater
resources.
• Use your internet skills to find and print out a
case study of eutrophication of a freshwater
resource. If you are struggling, use this resource
• http://www.unesco.org/water/wwap/case_studies/peipsi_lake/index.shtml?utm_source=twitterfeed
&utm_medium=twitter

9. Exam technique
• Prepare an essay plan (do not write an
essay!) on the following IB question:
• Using multiple case studies, discuss the
extent to which agriculture and irrigation
impact upon the quality of water supplies
around the world? (20)