Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

P is transported by __________ from fields.

1. drainage

2. runoff

3. evaporation

4. filtration

The correct answer is: runoff

Runoff is the process through which water moves across the surface of the land, often carrying with it various materials, including pollutants, nutrients, and sediment. In the context of agricultural fields, when it rains or when fields are irrigated, excess water can leave the field as runoff. This runoff has the potential to transport phosphorus (P), which is commonly found in fertilizers and can contribute to nutrient loading in nearby water bodies. Understanding the significance of runoff is crucial, especially in the context of water quality management and agricultural practices. It highlights the importance of managing nutrients effectively to prevent their loss from fields, which can lead to water quality issues like eutrophication in lakes and streams. Thus, runoff is the correct choice for indicating how phosphorus is transported from fields.