Cultural Eutrophication

Agricultural Impacts in the Gulf of Mexico

Introduction

Marine Habitat Loss in the Gulf of Mexico: An Agricultural Dilemma
Defining Eutrophication and Hypoxia

Ecological Implications
Section 1. Physical Characteristics and Ecological Analysis of Hypoxia

Linking Terrestrial and Marine Ecosystems
Physical Characteristics of Hypoxic Zone Including Spatial and Temporal Distribution in the Gulf
Ecological Analysis of Hypoxia: Altered Energy Flow and Changes in Community Structure
Ecological Analysis of Hypoxia: Altered Energy Flow and Changes in Community Structure II
The Effects of Eutrophication on Seagrass Communities

Section 2. The Mississippi River

An Overview of the Mississippi River
The Nutrient Composition of the Mississippi River
The Effects of Eutrophication on the Mississippi River

Section 3. Land Use and Effects in Mississippi River Basin

Land-Use in the Mississippi River Basin
General Processes by Which Nitrogen and Other Nutrients Invade Water Systems from Agricultural Land
How Land Use in the Mississippi River Basin has Changed Ecosystem Resistance to Nutrient Runoff
Effects of Precipitation Patterns on Sediment Transport and Nutrient Influx to Waterways

Section 4. How Wetlands Influence Eutrophication
General Wetland Information
How Wetlands Reduce Excess Nutrients
Nitrogen Related Processes in Wetlands
Riparian Buffers

Perspectives:
Section 5. Fisheries

Potential Effects of the Hypoxic Zone on the Gulf Fishing Industry
Observed and Potential Impacts on the Fishing Industry: A Sociological Perspective
Observed and Potential Impacts on the Fishing Industry: An Economic Perspective

Section 6. Farmers

Who Should Take the Blame?
Response to Government Studies of the Hypoxic Zone in the Gulf of Mexico
What Does Action to Fight Eutrophication of the Mississippi River do to Farmers of the River Basin?
What is Needed to Make a Change?

Section 7. Political and Social Implications

National Politics of Eutrophication and Hypoxia
Soil and Water Conservation Districts: Encouraging Responsible Farming Practices
Overview of the Fertilizer Industry
Ecological Economics of Hypoxia
Information/Education
Per-Acre Restrictions, or Command and Control
The Market: Market-Inspired Solutions to Environmental Problems

Section 8. Potential Solutions to Ecological Damage

Agricultural Practices That Will Lead to a Reduction of Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico
Erosion and Sediment Control
Economic Costs of Erosion
Nutrient Management
Manure Management
Economic Costs of Manure Management
Grazing Management
Conservation Reserve Program

Section 9. Conclusions

Recommendations for Solving the Hypoxia Problem due to Eutrophication in the Gulf of Mexico