Abstract

Nutrient runoff from agricultural operations threatens aquatic health and can have enduring and intricate consequences for the environment, ecological systems, and human populations. A comprehensive quantitative study of the literature was performed to identify various Nutrient Runoff Mitigation Systems (NR-MS) employed worldwide to avoid or repair environmental harm caused by excessive agricultural fertilization. Practical information on results from multiple NR-MS in the examined research was utilized to assess the methods based on ecological advantages, implementation costs, and feasibility. A comprehensive evaluation of the viability of NR-MS was conducted, along with a macro-level analysis of the obstacles hindering its widespread deployment. Recognized research deficiencies encompassed a scarcity of literature addressing nutrient runoff reduction, skepticism among farmers regarding voluntary policy adoption without significant incentives, and an overall absence of cost/benefit analyses, such as insights into the uncertainties related to NR-MS that could guide decision-makers in formulating successful and effective methods for various site conditions. The combination of review information enabled the creation of a complete decision-making structure to govern nutrient runoff, addressing current constraints and offering local NR-MS suggestions for regulators to adopt.

Keywords: Agriculture, Freshwater, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, NR-MS