What management strategy is essential in controlling runoff that contributes to nutrient pollution?

The management strategy essential in controlling runoff that contributes to nutrient pollution is best management practices in agriculture. These practices are designed to minimize the impact of agricultural activities on water quality by promoting techniques that reduce nutrient runoff into nearby water bodies.

Best management practices include measures such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and the responsible application of fertilizers and pesticides. By implementing these methods, farmers can enhance soil health and structure, improve water infiltration, and decrease the amount of excess nutrients that wash away during rainstorms. This proactive approach directly addresses the source of nutrient pollution, thereby helping to protect aquatic ecosystems from the adverse effects of eutrophication and algae blooms.

The other strategies, while beneficial for various reasons, do not focus specifically on managing agricultural runoff and its nutrient contributions to water systems. Urban planning may help in wider land use issues, integrated pest management focuses on controlling pests without harming the environment, and public education on marine conservation raises awareness but does not directly control runoff from agricultural sources.