Question

How are streams and rivers in drainage basins affected by converting prairie land to farm land?

Answer 1

The streams and rivers in the drainage basins were the prairies are converted into farm land are mostly affected by the agriculture and its needs, as well as its consequences.

The agriculture demands water for irrigation, and most of this water comes from  the streams and rivers, so that contributes to lowering of the water levels of the streams and rivers.

The agriculture also causes damage to the streams and rivers by polluting them. Namely, the pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides that are used for protection of the plants, partially end up in the low groundwater's, and in general, these waters are connected to the streams and rivers, so the pollutants end up in them, and that affects the biodiversity in them very badly.