Which practice can contribute to preventing eutrophication?

Planting vegetation along riverbanks is an effective practice for preventing eutrophication because it helps to stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and filter nutrients before they reach water bodies. This vegetation, including trees and shrubs, acts as a natural barrier that slows down rainwater and absorbs excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which are often responsible for promoting algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems. By maintaining a buffer zone of plants, the introduction of these nutrients into waterways can be significantly decreased, thus mitigating the conditions that lead to eutrophication.

This practice not only aids in improving water quality but also contributes to habitat preservation, reducing erosion, and supporting biodiversity in riparian zones. Additionally, the roots of the plants help to hold the soil together, minimizing sediment entering rivers and streams, which can further protect water quality and aquatic habitats from decline due to nutrient overloads.