In what way does agriculture contribute to air pollution?

Agriculture contributes to air pollution primarily by releasing harmful compounds from fertilizers and pesticides. When fertilizers are applied to crops, they can release ammonia, nitrates, and other pollutants into the atmosphere. These compounds can react with other atmospheric chemicals, leading to the formation of particulate matter and ground-level ozone, both of which are detrimental to air quality and public health. Pesticides may also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to smog formation and have harmful effects on both humans and the environment.

While deforestation can have indirect effects on air quality by reducing the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, it is not a direct contribution of agriculture itself. The other options, such as using only renewable resources and increased oxygen production, do not highlight forms of pollution associated with agriculture, as agriculture can often rely on non-renewable resources and its overall impact is linked to the emissions and pollutants generated during various farming practices.