Why is it recommended to use slow-releasing fertilizers in erosion control?

Using slow-releasing fertilizers in erosion control is recommended primarily to prevent nutrient runoff into water bodies. When fertilizers are applied to disturbed or eroded areas, rapid release fertilizers can lead to excessive nutrient loading in nearby streams, rivers, or lakes, especially during heavy rainfall or irrigation events. This nutrient runoff can contribute to water pollution issues such as eutrophication, which depletes oxygen levels in the water and harms aquatic life.

Slow-releasing fertilizers, on the other hand, provide a more gradual supply of nutrients to plants, aligning better with their growth needs while reducing the risk of excess nutrients washing away. This controlled release not only supports healthy plant establishment and growth but also helps ensure that nutrients are utilized efficiently by the vegetation, minimizing the likelihood of runoff and protecting water quality.

The other options, while they may have merit in different contexts, do not specifically address the key issue of preventing nutrient runoff, which is crucial in the context of erosion control and environmental protection.