A floodplain agricultural ecosystem consists of all the interacting living and nonliving entities in an area that has been modified by humans for food production. The plants and animals raised by humans may not naturally occur in the area nor be adapted to seasonal flooding. However, some species of wild plants and animals have adapted to the open agricultural environment. This ecosystem includes human-made farmhouses, barns, animal pens, and levees.
Human Interactions
Clearing of land for farms and fields eliminates native habitat and may increase sediment erosion and runoff into the river. If not properly managed, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and animal wastes may pollute groundwater and the river. Introducing plants and animals that compete with native species further alters the environment. Humans have built levees and drained wetlands to develop agricultural lands and protect them from flooding. These activities alter the river system in many ways.
Clearing of land for farms and fields eliminates native habitat and may increase sediment erosion and runoff into the river. If not properly managed, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and animal wastes may pollute groundwater and the river. Introducing plants and animals that compete with native species further alters the environment. Humans have built levees and drained wetlands to develop agricultural lands and protect them from flooding. These activities alter the river system in many ways.
Jump To:
