What is a primary goal of nutrient management in agriculture?

One of the primary goals of nutrient management in agriculture is to enhance environmental quality while maintaining agricultural productivity. This approach ensures that the nutrients applied to crops are used efficiently, minimizing any negative impact on soil and water quality, which can arise from excessive fertilizer use. By carefully managing nutrient applications, farmers can optimize crop yields while also supporting the health of the ecosystem, preserving biodiversity, and protecting natural resources. This balance is essential in sustainable agriculture practices, where the focus is on long-term productivity without compromising environmental health.

The other options do not align with the fundamental objectives of nutrient management: eliminating the need for fertilizers is not practical or realistic; maximizing yields without considering environmental impact could lead to detrimental effects on ecosystems; and decreasing biodiversity runs counter to the principles of sustainable farming, which emphasize the importance of diverse ecosystems for resilience and productivity.