Why do drain fields harm plants?

Why do drain fields harm plants?

• A. Boron And Detergents Leach Into The Soil.
• B. They Increase Beneficial Mycorrhizae.
• C. They Provide Extra Calcium Nutrients.
• D. They Deter Pests.

Answer: (A)

Drain fields harm plants because the wastewater that percolates through them can carry boron and detergents into the soil. Boron, while needed in tiny amounts, becomes toxic at higher concentrations and can stunt root growth, cause leaf burn, and disrupt normal plant function in many species. Detergents and their components can damage soil life, including beneficial fungi like mycorrhizae that help plants take up nutrients, and can alter soil chemistry and water movement. Together, these factors reduce a plant’s ability to grow and take up water and nutrients. The other options don’t fit because increasing beneficial mycorrhizae would help plants, extra calcium nutrients would aid growth, and deterring pests wouldn’t directly explain harm from drain fields.

Drain fields harm plants because the wastewater that percolates through them can carry boron and detergents into the soil. Boron, while needed in tiny amounts, becomes toxic at higher concentrations and can stunt root growth, cause leaf burn, and disrupt normal plant function in many species. Detergents and their components can damage soil life, including beneficial fungi like mycorrhizae that help plants take up nutrients, and can alter soil chemistry and water movement. Together, these factors reduce a plant’s ability to grow and take up water and nutrients. The other options don’t fit because increasing beneficial mycorrhizae would help plants, extra calcium nutrients would aid growth, and deterring pests wouldn’t directly explain harm from drain fields.