Which of the following is a benefit of nutrient management?

Improved water quality through careful nutrient application is a significant benefit of nutrient management. This approach involves the strategic use of nutrients to enhance plant growth while minimizing the potential for nutrient runoff into water bodies. By applying the right amount of nutrients at the correct time and in the appropriate manner, nutrient management helps reduce excess nutrients that can lead to problems such as algal blooms, which degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, careful nutrient management practices can lead to better nutrient uptake by crops, which not only aids in crop growth but also reduces the chances that nutrients will leach into groundwater or flow into streams and lakes. This integrated approach addresses both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, highlighting the dual benefits of responsible nutrient management.

Other options present concepts that do not align with the principles of nutrient management aimed at environmental and agricultural health. For example, increased reliance on chemical pesticides and higher water usage do not reflect the principles of balanced nutrient management, which seeks to minimize chemical inputs and optimize resource use efficiency. Likewise, encouragement of soil erosion is antithetical to nutrient management, as erosion can lead to nutrient loss and decreased soil health.