What is the primary purpose of water quality monitoring in nutrient management?

The primary purpose of water quality monitoring in nutrient management is to assess the impact of agricultural practices on local water bodies and inform management decisions. This process involves measuring various water quality indicators, such as nutrient concentrations, which can help identify how agricultural activities contribute to water pollution or nutrient runoff. By understanding the relationship between farming practices and water quality, managers can implement practices that reduce negative environmental impacts, ensuring that water bodies remain healthy and that agricultural practices are sustainable in the long term.

While collecting data for agricultural research can contribute to the broader understanding of nutrient management, it is not the primary focus of water quality monitoring. Similarly, evaluating economic viability and determining market value are important aspects of agricultural management, but they are not directly related to the goals of water quality monitoring, which is focused on environmental impacts and management practices.