Which practice can harm biodiversity if fertilizers are misapplied?

The practice that can harm biodiversity when fertilizers are misapplied is nutrient runoff. When fertilizers are applied excessively or at inappropriate times, the nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, can wash away into nearby waterways during rain events. This runoff contributes to water pollution, leading to eutrophication, which causes harmful algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. As a result, this negatively affects the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems, as many species may struggle to thrive in these altered conditions. Proper management of fertilizer application is crucial to prevent runoff and protect both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.