What potential impact can housing development have on farmland?

The choice highlighting "less farmland, smell, chemical runoff" accurately reflects the potential negative impacts of housing development on farmland. When urban development occurs, agricultural land can be converted into residential or commercial properties, leading to a reduction in the total amount of farmland available. This loss of land can diminish agricultural production capabilities in the area.

Additionally, housing developments can increase the risk of environmental issues such as chemical runoff. When buildings are constructed, surfaces that were previously permeable soil may be replaced with impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete. This can lead to an increase in runoff during rainstorms, potentially carrying chemicals from landscaping and fertilizers used in residential areas into nearby waterways, affecting water quality and local ecosystems.

Moreover, the presence of more people and structures may also lead to nuisances such as odors from waste management or agricultural runoff, which could further reduce the viability of remaining farmland nearby. Thus, the impacts of development on farmland encompass loss of land, environmental concerns, and challenges in maintaining agricultural activities in the vicinity.