River Pollution - Nutrient Cycle & Wetlands

NUTRIENT LOSS AND POLLUTION

Answer the following questions:

1. Where might nutrients be lost in this cycle?
2. What might happen if the nutrients get washed away into the river?
3. How might the following stop nutrients getting into the river:

• Fencing off the river?
• Creating reed beds within ditches?
• Leaving a buffer strip of land between the animals and the river?
• Recreating wetlands between intensively managed land and the river?

4. Add arrow heads and label the picture with the four different stages:

• GRASS - The grass or crops grow using the nutrients in the soil.
• LIVESTOCK - The animals eat the grass or crops so they can create energy to live
• MANURE - The animals excrete their waste which falls to the ground.
• SOIL - Small animals in the soil, like worms, change the nutrients in the manure so
  they can be used by the grass or crops

You may photocopy materials for classroom use

© Westcountry Rivers Trust 2005