Featured Municipality & Theme

May

Municipality:
Town of Beloit

Located in Rock County

Population:  7,721 (2020)

26.3 square miles of land

0.7 square miles of water

Theme: Fertilizer Pesticide Application

What is Fertilizer Pesticide Application? 

Fertilizers help plants grow by adding nutrients to the soil. Pesticides are chemicals used to keep bugs, insects, animals, and weeds off of crops or other plants.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

If fertilizers and pesticides are applied incorrectly they can wash off of the area treated and enter storm basins which can directly enter local waterways.

Click the toggle to find out the answer!

What is a problem that can arise from fertilizer use?
Answer
Excess fertilizer can run off into the waterways and cause toxic algal blooms that are harmful to aquatic and human life. This is a process called eutrophication. The fertilizer causes an excess of nutrients which allows the algae to bloom in excessive amounts.
What can pesticides harm?
Answer
Pesticides can contaminate: soil, water, turf, and other sources of vegetation. Pesticides are intended to kill and prevent annoying insects. But, when they wash into soil or water they can also kill: birds, fish, non-targeted insects, and innocent plants.
How can they effect the human body?
Answer
Fertilizers- Can cause skin irritation when touched. Inhalation or ingestion is poisonous. Pesticides- Can affect the nervous system. They can cause skin and eye irritation. Some pesticides are carcinogens. Others can harm the endocrine (hormone) system.

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