Key Terms in Watersheds and Land Use Management

Watershed

An area of land that drains rainwater or snow into one location, often a river or lake.

Riparian Zone

The interface between land and a river or stream, which is crucial for maintaining water quality.

Floodplain

An area of land adjacent to a river that is subject to flooding.

Sedimentation

The process by which particles settle out of a fluid, often leading to the accumulation of materials in water bodies.

Nutrient Loading

The addition of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, to water bodies, often leading to eutrophication.

Non-Point Source Pollution

Pollution that does not originate from a single point, often resulting from agricultural runoff.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory discharge.

Recharge Zone

An area where water infiltrates the ground and replenishes an aquifer.

Aquifer

A geological formation that can store and transmit water, often tapped for drinking water.

Eutrophication

The process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae.

Monocropping

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a wide area for many consecutive years.

Drip Irrigation

A method of irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a system of tubing.

Salinization

The accumulation of salts in soil, often due to improper irrigation practices.

Desertification

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Overgrazing

The consumption of vegetation by livestock beyond the land's capacity to regenerate.

Waterlogging

A condition where soil becomes saturated with water, negatively affecting plant growth.

Flood Irrigation

An irrigation method where water is allowed to flow over the fields, flooding them.

Furrow Irrigation

An irrigation method that involves creating small channels (furrows) to direct water to crops.

Contour Plowing

A farming practice that involves plowing across the slope of the land to reduce soil erosion.

Agroforestry

An integrated approach of using trees and shrubs alongside crops and livestock.

Slash-and-Burn Agriculture

A farming method that involves cutting and burning plants to create fields for agriculture.

Clear-Cutting

A logging practice where all trees in a designated area are cut down.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising future generations' ability to produce food.

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land.

Impervious Surfaces

Surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate, leading to increased runoff and potential flooding.

Green Roofs

Roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation, providing insulation and reducing runoff.

Urbanization

The process by which rural areas become urbanized as a result of population growth.

Smart Growth

An urban planning approach that focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

Green Revolution

A period of agricultural transformation that increased food production worldwide through new technologies.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Fertilizer Runoff

The flow of excess fertilizers from agricultural fields into nearby water bodies, causing pollution.

Pesticide Resistance

The ability of pests to survive exposure to pesticides that previously killed them.

Monoculture

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop species in a given area.

Air Pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, often from industrial and vehicular emissions.

Water Pollution

The contamination of water bodies due to harmful substances being introduced into them.

Wastewater Treatment

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it safe for discharge or reuse.

CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)

Large-scale livestock facilities that raise animals in confined spaces for food production.

Food Security

The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Food Desert

An area with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, often found in low-income neighborhoods.

Organic Farming

A farming method that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on natural processes.

Water Conservation

The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage.

Desalination

The process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to produce fresh water.

Water Scarcity

A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply.

Hydroelectric Power

Electricity generated by using the gravitational force of falling or flowing water.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation in which individuals acting in their own self-interest deplete shared resources.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Sustainability

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, often in relation to environmental health.

Environmental Footprint

A measure of the environmental impact of an individual or organization, typically expressed in terms of land and resources used.