Leaching

- Process by which nutrients are removed from the soil - Rainwater dissolves soluble nutrients, like nitrate ions, + carry them deep into the soil - The leached nitrate ions find their way into watercourses, like streams, rivers, lakes - They may have harmful effect on humans if river or lake is source of drinking water - High conc. of nitrate ions in water can prevent efficient oxygen transport in babies + link to stomach cancer - They can cause eutrophication