Poster Presentations
MANAGING LANDSCAPES
1. Quantifying Nitrate Leaching Below Root Zone Across Site Specific Management Zones
Dr. Raj Khosla, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University Ms. Stefanie Van Wychen, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University
Contact Information: R. Khosla, Department of Soil & Crop Sciences,
C013 Plant Sciences Building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1170 970-491-1920 970-491-2758 rkhosla@colostate.edu
Currently, agriculture is one of the leading contributors to the nitrate contamination of both surface and ground waters. Development of more efficient nitrogen (N) management strategies such as variable rate N application using Site-specific management zones may reduce the potential for nitrate contamination of soil and water systems. The objective of this study was to quantify nitrate leaching losses below the root zone across three site specific management zones. This study was conducted on two irrigated continuous corn (Zea mays L.) fields in northeastern Colorado in 2004. Fields were classified into high, medium, and low site specific management zones using a commercially available technique of delineating management zones. The N management strategies consisted of a control (0 kg N ha-1), a variable yield goal N rate based on the productivity potential of each zone, and a uniform N rate based on a constant yield goal across management zones. Soil sample cores were randomly collected from geo-referenced locations before planting and after harvest from each nitrogen management strategy within each management zone. Each soil samples was analyzed for nitrate and total N content. Aboveground biomass samples were collected from each soil sample location at crop physiological maturity and were analyzed for total N content. Results of this study on nitrate leaching losses below the root zone across site-specific management zones will be presented in the paper. Nitrate Leaching, Site-Specific Management Zones
2. GIS use on the private landscape
Joe T. Smith
Contact Information: Joe T. Smith, USDA-NRCS,
Phone: 712-943-6727 Fax: 712-943-6729 Email:joe.t.smith@ia.usda.gov
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work with private landowners on a day by day basis to improve and assist in private landuse management. A geographic information system (GIS) is used by the NRCS to help design landuse conservation plans, conservation structure plans, wetland development plans, grazing management plans, and nutrient management plans. These plans are developed by incorporating topographic, governmental unit, SSURGO soil, and infrared satellite imagery coverages which allow them to be relayed to the private landowner in a clear, concise manner.
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3. Agricultural Management Effects on Properties of Semi-Arid Sandy Soils
Ted M. Zobeck, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX; Deanna Halfmann, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Veronica Acosta-Martinez, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX; Kevin Bronson, Texas A & M University, Lubbock, TX; Dan R. Upchurch, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX.
Contact Information: Ted M. Zobeck, USDA-ARS,
Phone: 806-723-5240 Fax: 806-723-5272 Email: ted.zobeck@ttu.edu
Sustainable agricultural management is vital to the production of a stable and safe food supply. The effects of agricultural management on the environment depend on many factors. No-tillage farming systems have been shown to reduce soil erosion and modify soil chemical, biochemical, and physical properties in many areas of the US, but little information is available for sandy semi-arid soils of the Southern High Plains. In this study, soil chemical, biochemical, and physical properties were measured on long-term (approximately 20 years) no-till, conventionally-tilled fields and native rangeland of sandy soils in west Texas. Systems investigated included no-till cotton/wheat, conventionally-tilled cotton, conservation reserve grassland, and native grassland. Soil properties observed included soil total organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen, particulate organic matter (POM), enzyme activities of C, N and S cycling (beta-glucosaminidase, beta-glucosidase, arylsulfatase), wet aggregate stability (WES), bulk density, penetrometer resistance, and water infiltration. Most soil properties had significant depth (within the surface 30cm) and depth by management system interactions. Native grassland and no-till systems had the highest enzyme activity and nutrient levels. Native grassland had the highest OC content and WES, among systems. Conventionally-tilled cotton had the lowest OC content and WES. No differences among systems were found for POM. Infiltration was highest on the native rangeland and lowest on the dryland cotton fields, regardless of tillage system used. Our results demonstrate that although long-term, no-till increased the values of selected soil quality parameters, they were still lower than the same parameters observed for native grassland in these sandy soils.
4. Effects of Potato-Grain Rotations on Phosphorous Pools of Rangeland Sandy Soils
J.A. Delgado, R.A. Bownman, R.T. Sparks, M.F. Vigil, and M.A. Dillon
Contact Information: Jorge A. Delgado, USDA-ARS, Ft. Collins, CO 80526;
Phone: 970-492-7260 Fax: 970-492-7213 Email: jdelgado@lamar.colostate.edu
South central Colorado is dominated by soils with low organic matter content and a coarse sandy texture over coarse textured substratum. Phosphorous is one of the key nutrients used in this important agricultural region which has over 2000 center-pivot irrigated circles with a predominately small grain-potato rotation. After harvest of crops such as potato that leave only a small amount of fragile crop residue, soils are susceptible to wind erosion. Thus winter cover crops are a strongly recommended practice for this region when potatoes are grown in consecutive years instead of rotating to a high residue small grain crop. We evaluated the effects of cropping systems on the status and pools of phosphorous. To identify these impacts we collected plant biomass and soil samples at 0.3 m increments to 0.9 m depths to determine the phosphorous content of uncultivated rangeland sites and at adjacent cultivated sites. The USDA-NRCS personnel identified field sites that had similar soils representatives of the major soils in the region. The main variability in management at these study sites was the amount of straw returned to the system. These sites have been cultivated for about two decades. Additionally, we collected samples to determine changes in phosphorous status during the past five years. We found that rangeland soil phosphorous levels have increased by at least 50% at the top 0.3 m and have continued to increase at these sites during the past five years. The data showing increases in several phosphorous pools such as Acid-Pi, Acid-Po, Olsen-Pi, EDTA-Pi, EDTA-Po and AER (resin strips)-Pi in the profile will be presented. A phosphorous budget showing changes and rate of increase per year at these sites will also be presented.
5. Assessing Soil Fertility in the South Fork Watershed of the Iowa River
Jerry Neppel, independent crop consultant; Mark Tomer and Douglas Karlen, National Soil Tilth Laboratory
Contact Information: Jerry Neppel,
Phone: 515-663-9742 Email: jbiej@aol.com
The South Fork Watershed of the Iowa River in north-central Iowa has been selected for intensive monitoring for the inter-agency Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). Intensive swine, corn, and soybean production occur within the watershed and local streams have shown elevated levels of nitrate and phosphorus. Discussions with local stakeholders revealed the lack of baseline soil fertility data for this 220,000-acre watershed. This information is needed to help determine the appropriate practices and to identify where scarce resources should be targeted to provide the greatest environmental benefit. The Iowa NRCS, National Soil Tilth Laboratory (NSTL) and SWCS cooperated to assist local stakeholders obtain this information. Two transects were run across the watershed and 80-acre tracts were sampled every mile (legal section), given landowner permission. Soil samples were collected by soil type and previous management history. Soil analyses included soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon and total nitrogen. A total of 221 soil samples were collected from 26 sites. Phosphorus levels had a skewed distribution with 69% of the samples testing high or very high. Potassium levels were more normally distributed with 30% of the samples testing in the optimum soil test class. Organic carbon averaged 1.92% and total nitrogen averaged 0.22% of the soil by mass. This calculates to be an unusually high C:N ratio of 9:1. Additional analysis will examine variation by subwatershed, landscape position, and manure history. Overall, the study was successful and provides important baseline information for the South Fork CEAP project.
6. The Los Lunas Plant Materials Center partners with New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation Districts to restore riparian areas in the southwestern United States
David Dreesen, Gregory Fenchel, Danny Goodson, and Keith White, USDA-NRCS Los Lunas Plant Materials Center
Contact Information: Gregory Fenchel, USDA-NRCS Los Lunas Plant Materials Center, 1036 Miller St. SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031 Phone: 505-865-4684
The New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation Districts are involved in controlling exotic species, such as salt cedar, Siberian Elm, and Russian olive. Their goal is to restore thousands of acres of riparian areas to their historical condition and to provide more water for agriculture. The Los Lunas Plant Materials Center (LLPMC) has been engaged in developing plant materials and methodologies for riparian restoration in the Southwest since 1983. The LLPMC distributes local ecotypes of native grasses, shrubs, and trees to Soil and Water Conservation Districts and various land management agencies for the restoration of disturbed riparian areas at elevations from 100 to 3000 m. The LLPMC has established plantations of native collections of cottonwoods, willows, and various understory shrub species. Thousands of stem cuttings from these plantations are harvested annually for distribution.
Thousands of stem cuttings from these plantations are harvested annually for distribution. Stem cuttings are planted to the depth of the water table and quickly establish root systems that absorb water from the capillary moisture zone above the water table. Other shrub species that cannot produce a root system from a stem cutting are grown in containers that are 75 centimeters long. This deep root system allows the plant to become quickly established with minimal irrigation. A number of montane willow species are being propagated from seed to ensure genetic and sexual diversity. The LLPMC makes seed from 20 native grass species (many of which are common to riparian areas) available to the general public through the commercial seed industry.
The Soil and Water Conservation Districts have begun their restoration endeavor using LLPMC plant materials and planting methodologies. Before and after photographs of plantings will be included in the presentation.
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7. Potential For Leaching - Urea Fertilized Corn In The Rolling Pampas (Argentina).
Mónica B. Rodríguez. College of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires Raúl S. Lavado. College of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires.
Contact Information: Mónica B. Rodríguez, College of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires., Av. San Martín 4453, C1417DSE Buenos Aires, Argentina
4-11-4524-8076 mrodrigu@agro.uba.ar
The extent to which agriculture in the Rolling Pampas region (Argentina) contributes to water quality degradation is not well known. We determined the potential N available for leaching (NL) from N-urea fertilized corn.
Field experiments were developed in a Typic Argiudoll during two consecutives corn cycles. In a randomized blocks arrangement (n=3), 3 N levels (0, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1) were compared. In the second cycle, microplots were included to apply enriched 15N-urea. At the beginning and the end of each cycle, soil samples from 0 - 3 m were taken at 0.3 m increments and analyzed for nitrates and 15N derived from the fertilizer (15NDF).
The NL (1-3 m deep) was significantly increased by fertilization. It varied from 40.3 to 175.2 and 77.0 to 128.0 kg Nha-1 for the first and second cycles respectively. Only 20 % of the 15NDF was absorbed by the corn. This fact was caused by the high level of nitrates from organic nitrogen mineralization. The 15NDF was significantly higher than the control below the 1 m deep, indicating that it has been carried out below the root zone during the cycle, so increasing the NL. N coming from mineralization significantly affected NL when high rates of nitrogen fertilizer were applied thus increasing the risk of water contamination.
8. On Farm Manure Testing
Steven Hollister, Agronomist/Water Quality Specialist, USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact Information: Steven Hollister, 16255
To assist livestock producers with properly utilizing manure as a nutrient source, the nutrient value of the manure must be identified. Currently, this requires a sample to be tested by a lab. This means the producer either needs to agitate liquid manure twice (once to get the sample and another to pump out the manure) so the analysis is known before manure is applied, or apply manure at a predetermined rate that reflects the last test values expecting it is similar to the nutrient value of the manure being pumped. Producers need to be able to apply manure based on a known nutrient value based on an on-farm test. The objective of this proposal was to develop a fast, accurate, inexpensive test that can be conducted any time manure will be spread. Several on-farm test methods have been reviewed. The use of a hydrometer for testing for total N and an electroconductivity (EC) pen to test for ammonium N were chosen as the simplest, fastest and safest methods for on-farm testing. Research also indicates these methods can be quite accurate. The results of this study indicate the hydrometer does not provide accurate test results for Total Nitrogen. However, the EC pen was found to provide a fast, accurate, inexpensive test to determine Total N and ammonium N. Given these 2 values, the Nitrogen value of the manure can be used at the time of application to help determine the rate to apply for the next crop.
9. Use of GIS to Quantify Ephemeral Gullies for Incorporation into AnnAGNPS
Kent A. McVay, Kansas State, Jeffery Neel, Kansas State University, Dan Devlin, Kansas State University, Lyle Frees, USDA/NRCS Salina, KS
Contact Information: Kent A. McVay, Agronomy,
The Cheney Lake watershed is the primary drinking water supply for the city of Wichita, Kansas and has a record of water quality impairments ranging from sediment to nutrients to bacteria. Water quality modeling using AnnAGNPS is being used in this watershed to help target conservation practices toward areas that are most likely contributing pollutants. Current sediment predictions are based on RUSLE within AnnAGNPS, which incorporates only sheet and rill erosion. A significant portion of sediment may be coming from ephemeral gully erosion in this watershed. In order to assess the contribution of pollutants from ephemeral gullies, quantifying their occurrence and extent is needed. TOPAZ, a component of ARC-GIS, is being used to predict flow accumulation for surface runoff potential. Overlaid digital ortho photos are then evaluated for evidence of erosional scars. The mouth of the gully, is then marked where there is evidence of sediment deposition. A routine has been written to extract the gully profile from elevation data, and soil and engineering properties from the associated soil data layer. This new digital layer of ephemeral gullies will be included in the latest version of AnnAGNPS for prediction of pollutants in surface runoff. Our secondary interest is in predicting occurrence of ephemeral gullies. This data set is being analyzed spatially to determine ephemeral gully frequency and location as a function of soil type, slope, hydrography, and landcover. Better prediction of gully occurrence will help locate appropriate structure placement and field management to reduce sediment contribution from this source.
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10. Integrated model for sustainability assessment of intensive agriculture
Milada Stastna and Elmar Stenitzer, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno and Institute of Land and Water Management Petzenkirchen Austria
Contact Information: Milada Stastna, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno, Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic, Phone: +420545132459 Fax: +420545132459 email: stastna@mendelu.cz
Aims of the study were to apply, test and to present the ability of the deterministic simulation model SIMWASER computing soil-water balance components. Two case studies as the assessment of percolation losses from irrigated carrots to deep groundwater at Obersiebenbrunn in the Marchfeld (Austria) and ground water recharge and capillary rise from shallow groundwater in grass lysimeters at Berlin - Dahlem (Germany) are presented to demonstrate the performance of the model by comparison between measured and simulated results from field experiments. At Obersiebenbrunn, simulated percolation and evapotranspiration were 183 and 629 mm, while the respective measured values amounted to 198 and 635 mm. At Berlin - Dahlem simulated capillary rise and evapotranspiration were -122 and 458 mm, whereas the measurement showed -155 and 454 mm. These results testified the SIMWASER as a good applicable tool for assessing the sustainability of intensive agriculture as well as influence of land use.
11. Dormant Seeding of Warm Season Grasses in the Northeast
Paul. R. Salon and Martin van der Grinten, USDA-NRCS Big Flats Plant Materials Center
Contact Information: Paul Salon, USDA-NRCS 441 So.
Phone: 315-477-6535 Fax: 315-477-6550 Email: paul.salon @ny.usda.gov
A study comparing an incorporated early fall dormant warm season grass seeding and three winter dormant frost seeding dates to a non dormant incorporated spring seeding was conducted at the USDA-NRCS Big Flats Plant Materials Center in Corning, NY. The early fall dormant (late October) and spring non-dormant seedings (early May) were established by rototilling, hand broadcasting, raking and cultipacking (incorporated). The frost seedings were surface applied following an October rototilling. We also compared frost seeding on soil tilled in late August and planted to oats in early September for erosion control. The warm season grasses included switchgrass, little bluestem, big bluestem and indiangrass planted at 40 (PLS) pure live seeds/ft2 4.5, 7.0, 10.0, and 10.0 lbs/ac PLS respectively. They were planted individually in separate plots. The May seedings performed the best with 14.8, 10.6 and 14.8 seedlings/ft2 in 2002, 2003 and 2004 respectively. The incorporated late October dormant seeding had 2.0, 1.7 and 6.4 seedlings in 2002, 2003 and 2004 respectively. The averages of all frost seedings with and without the oats were 5.0 and 3.2 seedlings/ft2 in 2002 and 1.9 and 2.4 seedlings/ft2 in 2003. In 2004 the frost seedings had excellent emergence with 11.9 seedlings/ft2. The incorporated spring seeding was the best treatment. The frost seedings compared favorably with the incorporated late October dormant seeding. The oat cover treatment did not impede the frost seedings. All treatments had at least 1 plant per ft2 considered adequate for wildlife cover. The low stand density of the fall dormant and frost seedings indicates a need to increase the seeding rate
12. Data Integration and Modeling Framework for the Assessment of Water Quality Benefits of Conservation Practices at the National Level
Mauro DiLuzio, Steve Potter, Narayanan Kannan, Chinnasamy Santhi, Jeffrey Arnold, Jay Atwood, Robert Kellogg
Contact Information:
Modeling is a feasible approach to evaluate the water quality benefits of conservationpractices and to design improvements of new programs to more effectively and efficiently meet the goals of the Farm Bill. The United States Department of Agriculture has initiated the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), which includes the use of models to quantify the environmental benefits of conservation practices at the national scale, termed a national assessment. This poster outlines various data, modeling components, and their linkage being used in the national assessment. A number of data sets, seemlessly covering the conterminous United States, have been developed and/or generated to feed the models. These include weather, landscape characteristics, and management practices. The models include the farm-scale model Agricultural Policy/Environmental Extender (APEX) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), along with a GIS representation of the landscape. APEX simulates conservation practices for cultivated cropland. Farmer surveys conduted on a subset of National Resource Inventory sample points provide information on current farming activities and conservation practices for APEX. Output from APEX will be input into the watershed scale model, SWAT, in the HUMUS (Hydrologic Unit Modeling for the United States) system for routing the polllutants to the 8-di8git watershed outlet. The system will allow comparison of alternative scenarios (e.g. with and without conservation practices) for on-site and off-site water quality benefits (e.g. reductions in in-stream concentrations and loading of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides, and reductions in the number of days that concentrations exceed human health and ecological thresholds). We will also discuss potential improvements of each system component and their integration within an advenced GIS software system.
13. Phosphorus Fractionation in SWAT after Manure Application
C.H. Green, USDA-ARS/GSWRL, J.G. Arnold, USDA-ARS/GSWRL, R.D. Harmel, USDA-ARS/GSWRL, R. Haney, USDA-ARS/GSWRL"
Contact Information: Cole Green, USDA-ARS, Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory,
Phosphorus transport from agricultural systems to nearby water bodies is of increasing interest to the environmental community. Mineral (active) and soluble (labile) forms of P can be transported in runoff as dissolved P or as sediment attached P. Due to the impact of P on water quality, an environmental model that can adequately predict P fractionation and its transport from agricultural systems is desired. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) water quality model (version 2003) is designed to assess nonpoint and point source pollution and conduct agricultural management scenario comparisons. In order to effectively simulate P transport, SWAT’s P routine is being improved to account for how phosphorus fractionates with time after surface manure application. Four years of data from a watershed in central Texas have been collected from runoff sampling after rainfall events and will be used for validation.
14. Cancelled
15. Managing Pine Straw Harvests To Minimize Soil And Water Losses
D.H. Pote, USDA-ARS, T.C. Daniel, University of Arkansas"
Contact Information: Dan Pote, USDA-ARS,
Booneville, AR 72927" 479-675-3834 dpote@spa.ars.usda.gov
Pine straw is a valuable landscape mulch because it conserves soil moisture, moderates soil temperature, inhibits weed growth, and protects the soil surface against erosion, while retaining a loose structure that allows water, air, and fertilizer to easily reach the soil surface. As a result, marketing pine straw has become a multi-million dollar industry, but the loss of those mulching benefits from pine forests can increase runoff, soil erosion and nutrient losses in watersheds where pine straw is harvested. It may be helpful to harvest pine straw relatively early in the fall so that needles dropping later in the season will provide some soil cover throughout the remainder of the year and minimize the environmental impacts of harvesting. To test this hypothesis, runoff plots were constructed in a 17-year-old pine stand with basal area of approximately 42 m2/ha and trees planted on a 3.0 m X 1.5 m spacing. Each plot (2 m X 1 m) had 4% slope, aluminum borders to isolate runoff, and a runoff collector. Pine straw was removed from all 16 plots in early October, and eight of them were immediately covered with screen mesh that allowed light and water to reach the plot surface, but prevented additional pine needle accumulation. Two months later, simulated rainfall was applied (50 mm/h) to produce 20 minutes of runoff from each of the 16 plots for treatment comparisons. Results showed that allowing additional straw to accumulate late in the season decreased erosion and nutrient losses in runoff. pine straw harvesting, water quality, soil erosion, runoff, watershed management.
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16. Knick Point Erosion and Successful Partnering
Les Betts, USDA-NRCS, Keosauqua IA
Contact Information: Les Betts, NRCS,
Phone: 319 293 3523; Fax: 319 293 3192
Email Address: les.betts@ia.usda.gov
Can a “knick” point that is moving at nearly 700 feet per year be stopped? That’s the question concerning this unusual geological phenomenon on the Fox River in southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri. If it can’t, the river’s “head cut” or riverbed channel will continue to unravel and create havoc with roads, bridges, field crossings, and cause stream bank erosion and sediment delivery downstream through five counties in two states damaging infrastructure and farmland. It has been estimated that “to do nothing” for one county in SE Iowa (Van Buren), damages could reach well over $10,000,000. But with immediate conservation efforts that figure could be decreased by 8 million dollars. Knick points are also known as head cuts, channel avulsions or channel changes to riverbeds. Migration of this knick point has not gone unnoticed by local conservation groups. Five Soil and Water Conservation Districts along with USDA-NRCS personnel partnered with other groups to coordinate efforts to prevent further erosion. In Van Buren County alone, aggressive efforts have seen nearly 3300 acres enrolled in the WRP Program providing advanced erosion control. Local government entities, non profit groups and the Division of Soil Conservation have committed $355,000 to slow the erosion. The project continues to expand as it involves more partners in efforts to stop the migration of this unusual potentially massive jump of a riverbed into adjacent farmlands. Lessons learned would have application to thousands of other streams and rivers.
D. A. DiCarlo, S. M. Dabney, R. W. Steinriede, and M. A. Locke USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory, Contact Information: D. A. DiCarlo, USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory, Estimates of recharge to shallow aquifers from agricultural fields in the productive Mississippi Delta region vary widely due to the large clay contents of the soils. We have commenced a study of how the various common crops (rice, soybeans, corn, and cotton) and tillage (conventional or no-till) affect water use and recharge at the 24. Assessment of a sinkhole filter for removing agricultural contaminants Douglas G. Boyer, USDA-ARS Contact Information: Douglas G. Boyer, USDA-ARS, Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center, 1224 Airport Rd., Beaver, WV 25813 Phone: 304-256-2833 Fax: 304-256-2921 Email: doug.boyer@ars.usda.gov The impact on water quality by agricultural activity in karst terrain is an important consideration for resource management within the Appalachian Region. Karst areas comprise about 18 percent of the Region's land area. An estimated one-third of the Region's farms, cattle, and agricultural market value are on karst terrain. Two USDA/NRCS-designed sinkhole filter caps for removing contaminants from manure-impacted infiltrating water were assessed for removal efficiency of indicator bacteria and nitrate. One sinkhole filter was located down slope from a barnyard and milkhouse. The other sinkhole filter was constructed in a large sinkhole in a rotationally grazed beef pasture. Geometric mean fecal coliform bacteria concentrations were reduced by 85 to 95 percent after sinkhole filter installation at both locations. Mean nitrate concentrations increased from 2.0 mg N L-1 to 4.6 mg N L-1 and from 11.1 mg N L-1 to 12.6 mg N L-1 at the dairy and pasture sites, respectively. The sinkhole filters were designed to filter water without significantly delaying water infiltration and causing sinkhole flooding. We expect that the sinkhole filters filtered out sediment and associated contaminant, such as fecal coliform bacteria, but had no filtering effect on solutes like nitrate. Nitrate concentrations might have increased because of nitrification in the filter media between runoff events. The sinkhole filter appears to be an effective management tool, along with responsible land management, in order to reduce inputs of pathogens to karst groundwater aquifers. 25. Native Plants for National Parks: An Interagency Plant Materials Program Martin van der Grinten, and Russ Haas, USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service Contact Information: Russ Haas, Plant Materials Technical Advisor to National Park Service, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O. Box 1458, Bismarck, North Dakota 58502-1458 Phone:701-530-2026 Fax:701-530-2112 Email: russ_haas@nps.gov An interagency agreement between the USDI National Park Service and the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, initiated in 1989, has led to an exchange of technical information and the development of native plant materials for parks, new seed and plant technologies and restoration methodologies for revegetation of highways and other park construction projects. The program continues to provide assistance to the National Parks across the country through the NRCS Plant Materials Centers to: identify plant species needed; collect and process native seeds; provide high quality custom grown container plants and field production of native forbs and grasses from site specific collections; and provide technical assistance on site preparation, plant propagation and establishment, weed control, seed collection and processing. In the past fifteen years the program has assisted 45 National Parks with nearly 100 projects in cooperation with twelve NRCS Plant Material Centers; tested over 1000 native species/ecotypes and developed successful propagation techniques for more than 700 species and produced approximately 29,000 PLS pounds of grass/forbs and 720,000 tree/shrub seedlings. The propagation protocols developed by the Natipnal Park Service and the Top of Page Prof. Dr. Abdul Razak Mohamed1 & Bharati Mohapatra2 The environmental quality of the cities in It is essential to understand the composition and morphology of open spaces within the city fabric. Identification of different functional parameters of social and economic process in shaping the spatial pattern of urban open space is essential to evaluate the consequence environmental quality of cities. An integrated approach for improving environmental quality of open space in terms of its typology, morphology and functional attributes is to be done by identifying spatial distribution of urban open spaces and evaluating the resulting perception of socio cultural public realm. This approach will provide solutions to plan potential open spaces within the city that will provide positive environmental quality of urban life and varieties of opportunities such as sociability and natural diversity. The above mentioned aspects are analysed in the paper within the context of a few selected neighbourhood of the metropolitan city of 27. Native Forage Grass Establishment And Use In Contact Information: Charles M. Owsley, In 1993, the Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center (PMC) established long-term grazing demonstrations of ‘Pete’ eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.) and ‘Alamo’ switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) at the PMC in 28. Cancelled 29. A Highly Portable Wind Tunnel for Field Use R. Scott Van Pelt, USDA-ARS Cropping Systems Research Lab, Big Spring, Texas, Ted M. Zobeck, USDA-ARS Cropping Systems Research Lab, Lubbock, Texas Contact Information: R. Scott Van Pelt, USDA-ARS, 302 W. I-20, The management of vegetation and soil surfaces has a profound impact on the susceptibility of the landscape to wind erosion and fugitive dust production. In order to understand management effects on wind erosion, it is common to test the susceptibility of the surface under controlled and repeatable conditions using a field wind tunnel. Field wind tunnel designs have varied from small units that can be moved and operated by a single person to large trailer mounted tunnels requiring tractors and hydraulic cranes to move and deploy. We have constructed a pusher-type field wind tunnel that is very portable, can be moved and deployed by two persons, and yet maintains many of the advantages of larger tunnels. The 30. Minimizing Nitrogen Losses in a Corn-Soybean-Winter Wheat Rotation with Best Management Practices Susantha Jayasundara, Gary Parkin, Claudia Wagner-Riddle, Peter von Bertoldi, and Jon Warland, Phone: 519 824 4120 x54801 Fax: 519 824 5730 Email: sjayasun@uoguelph.ca 31. Agrohydrology Views On The Soil Conservation Problems In Prof. dr. Hamid Custovic, University of Sarajevo, Agricultural Faculty,, Prof. Dr. Mihovil Vlahinic, Academy of Science B&H Bosnia & Neena Arora, Pramila Maini & N.P. Shukla Phone-91-755-2588722 E-mail-ne.arora@rediffmail.com In the present study a field experiment was conducted in two different farmer's field in a randomized block design for continuously two years (2002-2003) to assess the impact of Rhizobium biofertilizer in unammended soil and in soil fertilized with different level of chemical fertilizer on soil health and yield of Soybean. Soils were analyzed for total organic carbon & available nitrogen content before sowing and after harvesting the soybean. Continuous application of chemical fertilizer alone deteriorated the soil health by decreasing in organic carbon & available nitrogen content while judicial application of chemical fertilizer along with biofertilizer improved the soil health and hence the yield of Soybean. 33. Contact Information: Anita Nein, USDA, NRCS, Phone: 308-874-2219 FAX 308-874-2402 Email: anita.nein@ne.usda.gov Expanding acres of the noxious weed Canada thistle caused 12 land users to unite to try six methods of preventing further degradation for wildlife, domestic animals, and people. Led by NRCS, who facilitated workshops and tours, helped with grant writing, and assisted with technical practices, the land users learned and shared information. First, they studied the life cycles of the noxious weeds and the insects used for control. Then, they monitored the thistles and took action. Working together with NRCS, landowners reduced costs for securing biological enemies of the thistles by designating shipping points, bidding three different kinds of insects from suppliers, and dispursing 13,000 insects locally. The insects placed in 2003 and 2004 damaged 10%-40% of the thistles around the insect sites. The thistles were damaged on 10 acres by vinegar herbicide, 600 acres by commercial chemicals, 1000 acres by managed grazing, and 160 acres by mowing, Ten grass seed orders were drilled on four farms to provide grass competition. This weed war began in 2003 with a Sustainable Ag and Research Grant. The practices were applied by spring 2005. David Lobb, Soil Science, David L. Burton, Nova Scotia Agriculture College, Alan P. Moulin, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Rene Van Acker, Plant Science, University of Manitoba Contact Information: David Lobb, Soil Science, Management Practices, technologies and decision tools for soil, water and/or air quality protection. Quantifying the environmental benefits of management practices and technologies for soil, water, and/or air quality 35. The NLEAP Mode is Useful To Estimate Nitrates Leaching In The Rolling Raúl S. Lavado, Helena Rimski-Korsakov, Mónica B. Rodriguez and Carina R. Alvarez. Contact Information: Raul S. Lavado, College of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, Av. San Martin 4453, C1417DSE Buenos Aires, Argentia 36. Use of Benthic Macroinvertebrates to Assess Water Quality in a Christopher Riley and Shreeram Inamdar, Contact Information: Christopher Riley 461 N. Ivyhurst Rd. Apt. 2, Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys have proven effective in assessing water quality across a range of geographic regions and land use settings. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities were surveyed at four sites within the Cazenovia Creek watershed in western 37. Erosion and Runoff Modeling Using Remotely Sensed Tillage Data Brian Gelder, Member, Iowa State University, John Laflen, Member, USDA-ARS (Retired), Amy Kaleita, Iowa State University Contact Information: Brian Gelder, 3210 Agronomy Hall, Tillage practices are known to have a large impact on the quantity of runoff and sediment delivered to a water body, hence spatial knowledge of tillage practices is of great value for accurate watershed modeling. However, current methods (i.e. windshield survey or intense field survey) of obtaining field data are either inaccurate or overly time-consuming. Combined radar and infrared remote sensing was gathered to determine the tillage types and illustrate the convenience and utility of remote data collection in watershed management. Data was collected in the CCA C-ontinuing Education Credits (CEUs) SW:1.5 NM: CM: PM: Total CEUs: 1.5 ASSESSING AND COMMUNICATING 41. Water Pollution Of Inner-City Streams In Nguyen Thi Thuong Takizawa Satoshi, Nguyen Phuoc Dan, Bui Dan Truong, Oguma Kumiko, and Katayama Hiroyuki Contact Information: NGUYEN Thi Thuong (Master Student), Room 206 Izumi Flat, 5-6-12 Higashi-ogu, Arakawa-ku, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the biggest and most populous city in 42. Heavy metals concentration in superficial water, groundwater, sediments and plants from the Poopo region – Garcia M.E. (1), Persson K. (2), Berndtsson R. (2), Bengtsson L. (2), Ramos O. (1) (1) Contact information: Garcia Maria, San Andres University P.Box. 10201 Phone: 591-2-2792238, Fax: 591-2-772269, e-mail: maugegarcia@hotmail.com The Poopo lake, located in the Bolivian altiplane, a semi-arid region, has critical factors as a high natural pollution for the presence of minerals with toxic metals contents, mainly lead and arsenic; the anthropogenic contamination, for the intense mining activity, besides other factors like the climatic conditions and the high salinity in the soils. In this area, twenty sampling points were selected for take the samples around the lake and in the Poopo and Uru – High heavy metals concentrations were opposing in superficial waters, sediments and plants, mainly in the lake and the rivers from the north and northeast from the Poopo basin, a region with an intensive mining activity. However, very few groundwater samples are contaminated with this toxic metals, only arsenic was found in some wells in the south where are located some polimetallic deposits. Carla Maria Camargo Corrêa, Glaucio Roloff and Jorge Roberto Malinovski Contact Information: Carla Maria Camargo Corrêa, Universidade Federal do Phone: 0055-41-3604215 Fax: 0055-41-3604211 Email: camargo@floresta.ufpr.br In this study we present and discuss actual soil and water losses from roads on two different forested (lollobly pine) catchments, namely Itaiopolis and Tres Barras catchments, located in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Cumulative 15-day losses were monitored during 2003 and 2004. The Itaiopolis catchment has sandy soils and undulating relief, whereas Tres Barras has a gently rolling relief with clayey soils. Treatments were (i) road with gravel surface and water bars, (ii) road with gravel surface without water bars, (iii) road with no gravel but with water bars, and (iv) road with no gravel nor water bars. All roads had adjacent low or no vegetation fire-prevention strips as part of the contributing catchment. Losses were expressed in mass or volume, and sediments were separated in suspended or total. Collected samples were also analised for selected physical-chemical properties. Runoff volume from the Itaiopolis catchment was 29,2 mm from the roads and 1,1 mm from the fire prevention strips, representing 2,9% and 0,1% respectively of the 995,2 mm of rain during the period. Runoff volume for the Tres Barras catchment was 33,8 mm from the roads and 0,2 mm from the strips, representing 2,3% and 0,1%, respectively, of the 1453,5 mm of rain during the period. Soil loss, both total and as suspended sediments, and their composition, were compared with limits established by the Brazilian Environmental Commission. 44. Conservation Development – Environmental IMPACTS Dan Ross, Urban Resource Conservationist, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Part-time Faculty, Contact Information: Dan Ross, USDA-NRCS, 2795 Front Street, Suite D, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221 Phone: 330-929-2871 ext. 11 FAX: 330-929-2872 EMAIL: daross@kent.edu This study will examine the political and environmental impacts of a conservation development. This will look at the Deer Creek development in 45. An ARS integrated watershed data system: Development and application Jin-Song Chen, Jean L. Steiner, and John Sadler, USDA-ARS Contact Information: Jin-Song Chen, USDA-ARS, Grazinglands Research Laboratory, Phone: 405-262-5291 Fax: 405-262-0133 Email: jchen@grl.ars.usda.gov The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is developing and implementing a web-based data system – STEWARDS (Sustaining the Earth's Watersheds – Agricultural Research Data System) to organize, document, manipulate and compile climate, water, soil, management, and economic data for assessment of conservation practices in Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). The data system will provide one-point access to data from the twelve ARS benchmark watershed locations in well-documented and standardized formats. The data system consists of two main parts -- a central database management system for the storage and management of data, and a client application to allow users access and interact with the data. The data stored in the database can be viewed and downloaded using graphical and tabular interface tools. The framework of a prototype system for the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed data is presented. Applications of using the data system in facilitating the data visualization, watershed modeling in CEAP and decision-making are discussed. 46. Communicating the Economic Benefits of Conservation John Long, USDA-NRCS Contact Information: John Long, USDA-NRCS, Phone: 207-990-9504 Fax: 207-990-9599 Email: john.long@me.usda.gov Maine NRCS recently participated in Maine Farm Days, an agricultural exhibition designed to educate the public about agriculture on a working dairy farm. NRCS hosted a conservation wagon tour around the farm, where participants learned about conservation practices. One stop along the tour emphasized the economics of natural resources conservation. Displays were produced to show conservation benefits and costs at the farm, state, and national levels. Three broad topics were addressed: the fertilizer value of manure on Specific key points emphasized during the wagon tour included: Describing the effects of conservation in dollar terms can help the public grasp its importance. ASSESSING AND COMMUNICATING POSTER ABSTRACT 47. User-friendly electronic atlas for agricultural watershed diagnosis and BMP's implementation Julie Deslandes, Aubert Michaud and Jacques Desjardins, Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment Contact Information: Julie Deslandes, Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment, 2700 Einstein, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada, G1P 3W8 Phone: 1-418-528-7627 Fax: 1-418-644-6855 Email: ulie.deslandes@irda.qc.ca The overall goal of a network of six experimental watersheds (from 190 to 790 ha in size) established in 2001 in south-western Québec was to describe critical P source areas within agricultural landscapes and to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices (BMP's) and structural runoff control on sediment and nutrient mobility in surface waters. The project follows a paired watershed design, where two watersheds (control and treatment) are monitored through two periods of monitoring (calibration and evaluation). Stream monitoring through calibration period enabled a description of hydrologic functioning of individual watersheds as influenced by landscapes attributes and cropping systems, as well as the measure of sediment and nutrient fluxes, which typically peaked during early spring meltdown and precipitations on saturated or frozen soil. Calibration period (oct. 2001 to may 2003) yields varied respectively from 147 to 1300 kg/ha in total suspended solids (TSS) and from 1.06 to 3.64 kg P/ha in total phosphorus for individual watersheds. Planning and implementation of BMPs and structural runoff control measures within treatment watersheds were based on 1) a precision-scale digital elevation model (DEM) from which detailed surface water flow paths were derived, 2) hydrologically active areas revealed by multispectral airborne photography and 3) erosion marks photographed in early spring and located by GPS. Spatially-referenced geophysical and management data were integrated within user-friendly electronic atlas and delivered to farm managers and extension personnal. Agri-environmental atlas enabled the identification of critical erosion and runoff-sensitive areas, as well as the design of BMP's and structural runoff control, which were implemented through 2003 and 2004 within the three treatment watersheds, including 13 km of riparian buffer strips, 5.5 km of wind breaks, 2.6 km of stream banks bioengineering, as well as 18 catch basins, 8 filter trenches and other stream stabilisation structures. Stream monitoring of twin-watersheds during evaluation period will eventually enable a measure of treatment implementation. 48. The Conservation Security Program: A New Day in Conservation Robin Martinek, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Contact Information: Robin Martinek, Phone: 651-602-7866 Fax: 651-602-7914 Email: robin.martinek@mn.usda.gov The Conservation Security Program is a new way for the USDA to do business with producers and the public, and a new way of encouraging producers to protect all natural resources. By providing payments to producers who are stewardship leaders and who provide the environmental benefits wanted by society, CSP provides strong incentives for others to follow the example of these producers. This poster will highlight the basics of this new program with examples and information from the Blue Earth Watershed in 2004, the pilot year. It will highlight how USDA hopes this program will encourage and increase the adoption of good conservation measures on 49. Economics and Survival of Hand Planted Riparian Forest Buffers in West John Long and Sally Butler, USDA-NRCS Contact Information: John Long, USDA-NRCS, Maine NRCS recently conducted a case study on the survivorship and establishment costs of two riparian forest buffers planted during 2002 under the continuous CRP program in A modified protocol, developed by the Copies of bills submitted for cost-share reimbursement were collected from NRCS field office records. Establishment budgets were constructed to itemize the various costs for materials and services. Costs were analyzed on a per acre and per plant basis. Plant survival rates and average establishment costs were compared. Using the cost data collected, scenarios with various planting rates, numbers of tree shelters and geotextile mats, and types of site preparation were constructed to analyze tradeoffs between establishment cost and likelihood of plant survival. Recommendations were made for planting rates, the number of trees shelters and geotextile mats to be used, and site preparation. The establishment cost data will be useful as well for planning riparian forest buffers in the future, and in setting conservation program cost-share reimbursement rates. 51. Farmers’ Views on Conservation Programs, Practices, and Issues in the Rob Sand, Contact Information: Telephone: 401-226-7100 Fax: 401-863-3505 Email: Robert_Sand@brown.edu In order to help farmers improve agricultural conservation practices, legislators and conservation managers must be aware of farmers’ knowledge of conservation programs, practices, and issues. A better understanding of farmers’ views and farming practices facilitates more effective conservation efforts by illuminating farmers’ needs, as well as the successes and failures of past efforts. The views of farmers in the Upper Iowa River Watershed on conservation programs, practices, and issues were ascertained through two surveys, as well as forums held in July 2004. Results show that farmers view soil erosion, agricultural chemical runoff, and general water quality as the most serious watershed problems. Farmers are committed to conservation and desire to increase their efforts, and made a number of ways for legislators and conservation managers to aid them apparent. An overwhelming majority of farmers surveyed cite cost as a major barrier to implementing additional conservation practices, and believe that more conservation program coordination and information is needed. Nearly half cite confusion about conservation programs. Only one-fifth feel they know all programs available. This shows that expanding outreach efforts and increasing program and personnel funding is important to increasing conservation. Public policy solutions to increase conservation, such as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and nutrient credit markets, enjoyed the support of over two-thirds of those farmers who were familiar with them. These farmers, however, were in the minority. Overall, results show a clear need for increased outreach efforts and increased funding for conservation programs and personnel. Kevin Ingram and Robert Kellogg, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Contact Information: Robert Kellogg, NRCS/USDA, Email: robert.kellogg@usda.gov The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service initiated a 4-year survey effort to collect detailed information from farmers on conservation practices, farming activities, and participation in conservation programs. Survey data are being collected over 4 years—2003 through 2006. When competed, the sample will consist of fields associated with about 30,000 Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) sample points for cultivated cropland. About 20 percent of the sample will consist of NRI sample points on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). For CRP sample points, a link is established with the Farm Service Agency’s practices database. For cropped sample points, information is collected by means of a personal interview on crops grown, nutrients and pesticides applied, field operations conducted, and conservation practices applied. Farming activities for the most recent three years are obtained so that the farming system—crop rotations and associated crop residue management practices, nutrient management practices, and pest management practices—can be appropriately defined. Preliminary results based on the first two years of data collection will be presented. Edward Skidmore, Larry Wagner, and John Tatarko, USDA?ARS, Contact Information: Edward Skidmore, USDA-ARS Wind Erosion Research Unit, (785) 537-5530, fax: (785) 537-5507,http://www.weru.ksu.edu. In response to customer requests for improved wind erosion prediction technology, USDA, cooperating with other agencies, developed the Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS). WEPS is a process?based continuous daily time?step model. It represents the most current technology for predicting soil erosion by wind. As the USDA?NRCS nears implementation of WEPS, the purpose of this half?day workshop is to give participants an overview of WEPS and its utility for conservation planning and policy development. The workshop will include: 1) soil, water, and air quality as influenced by wind erosion; 2) development of wind erosion technology; 3) overview and demonstration of WEPS; 4) Use of WEPS for conservation planning; 5) soil erosion by wind and its control (video); and 6) discussion. John Tatarko, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS; Rob Aiken, Kansas State University Research and Extension, Colby, KS; Mary Knapp, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas; Simon van Donk, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS; Ed Skidmore; USDA-ARS; Manhattan, KS Contact Information: John Tatarko, USDA-ARS, Danny Markus, USDA–NRCS, Lower Contact Information: Danny Markus, Phone: (928) 669-9826 x101, Fax: (928) 669-9666 Email: There are some 375 Resource Conservation and Development Councils engaged in delivering natural resource conservation and community development projects throughout the There are six RC&D Councils in It is reasonable to assume that capacity building training efforts produce an increased level of effectiveness in RC&D Council operations. This Poster Presentation will describe how NRCS developed and implemented a relevant measurement methodology to more empirically assess that assumption. Other RC&D’s throughout the country may wish to develop and use similar assessment tools to better demonstrate the return on investment NRCS makes in the program. Top of Page Thomas Diggins The 63. Communicating with the Daniel Perkins, USDA/NRCS Contact Information: Daniel Perkins, USDA/NRCS 508 N. Broadway Ave, Riverton Wy, 82501, Phone: 307-856-7524 ext 119, Email: daniel.perkins@wy.usda.gov The Wind River Reservation is shared between the Arapaho and Shoshone Tribes. At approximately 2.3 million acres the reservation is inhabited by 7,000 tribal members. Most of the reservation’s farmable lands lie in an arid basin where irrigation is required. Partly due to the Daws Act of 1887, which opened up tribal lands to private ownership, many of these parcels (160 acres) are owned by many different family members. Farms are operated near the Hyun-Haeng Lee, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA, Kang-Ho Jung, Sang-Gun Ha, Seung-Oh Hur, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA Contact Information: Hyun-Haeng Lee, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA 249 Seodun-dong, +82-31-290-0227 +82-2-2214-4030 soil20@hanmail.net More than 70% of upland fields are located on sloped area in Korean farming land. This situation has been considered in relation to soil erosion problems. This study was carried out to investigate soil loss, fertilizer nutrient loss and soil water flow tendency with covering plants and soil types in sloped farming land. Three different soils, sandy loam, loam, and clay loam, were prepared for fill up the lysimeters which have three plots with 15% of slope, 5m of slope length, 2m of width, and 1m of depth, respectively. Corn (Zea mays L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were cultivated in each plot of the lysimeter treated with chemical fertilizer (corn: NO3-N 173, P2O5 266, K2O 165 g plot-1, peanut: NO3-N 110, P2O5 173, K2O 110 g plot-1). Bare soil plot was compared as a reference. Soil water content, soil loss, runoff, leachate, and fertilizer nutrient loss were examined at every rainfall event. The runoff was the highest in loam soil, leachate in sandy loam, and soil loss in clay loam, respectively. Relationships of rainfall to runoff and to leachate in different soil types revealed linear equations by regression analyses. The amount of NO3-N and P2O5 loss were the highest in peanut and that of K2O loss in corn, in loam lysimeter. This result can be used for guide lines for best management practice as to sloped farming land in 66. A Possible Biodiversity Refugium for Pteridophytes in Brandon T. Sinn, Carl F. Chuey Zoar Valley Gorge in western 67. Anthony J. Scantlen, Sheaffer & Roland, Inc., presenter Contact information: John R. Sheaffer, II, Sheaffer & Roland, Inc., Phone: 630-208-9898 Fax: 630-208-9895 Email: jsheaffer@sheafferandroland.com 68. Water balance using electrical capacitance measurements in a coastal sandy soil Warren Busscher, Philip Bauer, John Sadler, Dean Evans, and Ernest Strickland, USDA-ARS, Contact Information: Warren Busscher, Coastal Plains Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2611 W Lucas St, Florence, SC 29501-1242 Phone: 843-669-5203x105 Fax: 843-669-6970 Email: busscher@florence.ars.usda.gov Water balance was calculated from Sentek capacitance sensors placed in cotton plots treated with conservation tillage (no surface tillage and non-inversion deep disruption of a hard layer). Sensors measured volumetric soil water content at 30 min time steps and 10 cm (4 in) depth intervals to 1 m (3.25 ft). Changes of soil water content were separated into infiltration, evapotranspiration, deep percolation, and runoff using rain gauge measurements and software designed specifically for this experiment. Cumulative infiltration was 75 to 85% of cumulative rainfall until the profile filled up with water. After that, it fell to 60% where it remained until the end of the growing season. Evapotranspiration was measured as the decrease in soil water content that did not drain lower into the profile. Evapotranspiration was greatest in the top foot and decreased exponentially below that. A two week dry spell in the middle of a very wet August caused the sandy soil to dry down in the root zone to the point that the plants were under stress, despite the fact that there was water deep in the profile. Even though the soil dried out easily and was disrupted deeply in the row, most water for plant growth came from the top foot. 69. Contribution of detergent phosphorus in domestic wastewater of typical cities in Shusheng Liu , Qingbao Gu, Changsheng Peng , and Fasheng Li, Contact Information: Qingbao Gu, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, No.8 Dayangfang, Anwai Avenue, Beijing, 100012 P. R. China Phone: 86-10-84915331 Fax: 86-10-84932813 Email: guqb@craes.org.cn Detergent phosphorus is one of the sources of phosphorus entering the aquatic environment, and phosphorus is commonly the growth limiting nutrient for phytoplankton and hydrophytes in waters. However, there is a debate over whether detergent phosphate bans or restriction can produce measurable improvements in water quality. Amounts of detergent used in typical cities in 70. Cancelled 71. Cancelled Duane Friend, Contact Information: Duane Friend, University of Email friend@uiuc.edu Top of Page Barry J. Harding, CPG Contact Information: Barry J. Harding, Senior Professional Geologist, Earth Tech, Phone: 616-940-4265 Fax: 616-940-4396 Email: barry.harding@earthtech.com The Serbian-American electrical engineer Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) is perhaps best known for his pioneering work in radio and for discovering the rotating magnetic field. He is also known for harnessing alternating electrical current in collaboration with prominent early 20th Century industrialists. Ironically, viewed today many of Tesla’s papers take on a distinct environmental tone with modern concepts of waste minimization and conservation of natural resources clearly defined in his writings. Tesla’s The Problem of Increasing Human Energy, (The Century Magazine, June 1900) pre-dates Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring by 60 years, yet touches upon problems in an industrialized world, including poor water quality, unsanitary conditions, fuel shortages, inadequate energy conveyance systems, and increased population growth and poor food supply (Malthusian doctrines prevalent in Victorian thought). He also recognized these problems extend to smaller nations and rural areas. Tesla offered several diverse and feasible solutions to these problems: ozone sterilization of water; wireless transmission of energy; utilization of solar, geo-thermal and wind power; development of an energy-efficient pitchless-blade turbine; and application of nitrogenous fertilizers to fortify poor agricultural soils. He was also a proponent of forest conservation. Tesla’s research clearly focused on improving devices and systems that collect, convey and utilize energy, and his life-long dream was to improve mankind’s condition by implementing a global system for transmission of wire-less power. Tesla’s contribution to electrical engineering is well-documented; however, he should also be recognized as an early example of an environmentally conscious industrialist. Top of Page Larry Cooke, NRCS Environmental Specialist, Contact Information: Larry Cooke, 500 Forever Green Drive, Biodiesel is a fuel that is domestically produced, a renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, and reduces serious air pollutants such as particulates, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxics. Oil seed crops like canola, mustard and soybeans can be grown in many regions. One region that can benefit is the Palouse region of Keyvan shamsi and hamid mehrpanah;Islamic azad University; Kermanshah; A field study was conducted on a silty clay Loam during 2003 to examine the growth and development of three winter wheat grown under conventional ( fall plow and spring disc ) and no- tillage (direct drilling ) tillage systems . Through out growing season, leaf and tiller production tiller abortion , and soil moisture were monitored while leaf area , leaf weight , and stem weight were determined at weekly intervals in 2003 . The length of second leaf on main stem , rate of leaf production , and rate of tiller production were reduced in plants grown in no tillage compared with conventional tillage . Also tiller production was reduced by no-tillage but tiller abortion was not . Total non structural carbohydrates in the lower stem – crown area at 12 days after anthesis were not affected by tillage treatment overall these results indicted that stresses that occur early in seedling development under no - tillage reduced early growth and the plants were unable to overcome these effects prior to maturity . However, cultivars differed in tolerance to these early stresses thus, it should be possible to develop winter wheat cultivars for growth under no – tillage. Bronwynne Wilton, Melissa Watkins, Dr. Wayne Caldwell, and Dr. Stew Hilts, Contact Information: Bronwynne Wilton, e-mail: bwilton@uoguelph.ca As the global population continues to increase, there is an increased demand for housing and services for human beings, particularly around already established urban centers. Nowhere is this more accurate than in the southern portion of the For example, it is estimated that the population of the Greater Toronto Area will increase from 7.4 million people in 2000 to 10.5 million people by the year 2031 which will result in even further permanent loss of high quality farmland. Currently the provincial government is introducing a number of land use planning measures, most notably the Greenbelt Act, in an attempt to manage the multiple and competing land use interests in the province. Also, a new not-for-profit organization called the Ontario Farmland Trust has emerged to provide alternative solutions for farmland preservation in 78. Management Of No-Tillage Switchgrass To Be Used As A Biomass Energy Source Donald Tyler, Contact Information: Donald Tyler, Email: dtyler@utk.edu Switchgrass is a dedicated biomass feedstock that can be used to produce electricity, liquid transportation fuels such as ethanol and other bioproducts such as adhesives, solvents, plastic precursors, and other organic chemicals. It is a widely adapted perennial herbaceous grass with a very high biomass production potential for many years after establishment. We are investigating the adaptability of this crop to different soil and landscape positions in TN. The soils range from well drained to poorly drained and the positions range from uplands to bottomlands. Studies evaluating seeding rates, nitrogen fertilization, variety selection, and weed control are superim
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23. Water Use, Runoff, and Recharge in the
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26. Social and economic impacts of open spaces and environmental quality of metro city Chennai,
Conventional fertilization practices in field crops might contribute to NO3 contamination of ground water by leaching of excess N and to increasing N2O emissions. We studied the combine effect of several best management practices (BMP) on reducing NO3 leaching and N2O emissions from a corn-soybean-winter wheat rotation compared with conventional practices (CONV) at
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32. Comparative study on the impact of chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer on soil health
The fight to feed the world is not lost. During last two decade the problems of low productivity and increase in cost of cultivation have forced the scientist engaged in agriculture development to think about the sustainability of modern agriculture, which not only maintain the rate of growth along with keeping the soil fertile, productive and healthy but also improve the quality of product.
34. Landscape Restoration and Its Environmental Impacts
Simulation models represent a unique tol to predict nitrate leaching under the influence of different environmental and technological circumstances. NLEAP is a model run with easily obtained inputs. Early results have shown that it might be an appropriate tool to predict soil nitrate leaching in the
43. Parameters Of Quality Of The Water Originating From Forest Roads In
52. Controls of saturated area extent on nitrate and dissolved organic carbon chemistry across catchment scales
Joanna Tuk Riley, Shreeram Inamdar; and Julia Graham,
Phone: 716-835-5403 Fax: 843-546-6296 Email: jmtuk27@yahoo.com Understanding catchment-scale nutrient processes and export is necessary for defining
pollutant source areas and developing BMPs. Nitrate and dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
impact stream ecosystem health, and growing evidence indicates that extent of soil saturation
influences the export of these solutes from watersheds. In this project we studied the
controls of saturated areas on the export of nitrate and DOC in storm events across four
catchment scales. Our work was conducted in a 696 ha forested watershed located in western NY.
Monitoring sites included the outlet to the 696 ha catchment and three subcatchments
(3.4, 1.6, and 1.9 ha). Bi-weekly grab samples from streams provided information for
seasonal chemistry. Storm event chemistry was captured with automated samplers, and
corresponding discharge was measured using either flumes or v-notch weirs at catchment
outlets. Extent of saturated area was determined via physical measurements, GPS mapping,
and delineation on a 3m DEM. Trends in solute chemistry showed larger DOC loads during storms
from the catchments with greater extent of saturated area. In contrast, catchments associated
with a high percentage of saturated area exported the smallest nitrate loads. Our results
suggest that extent of permanent saturated area exerts greater control on storm solute
chemistry than extent of variable saturated area, through greater dilution of nitrate as
well as larger contribution of DOC flushed from near-surface soils.
53. The CEAP Farmer Survey: Collecting Data on Conservation Practices and Farming Activities
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54. Wind Erosion Prediction Technology 55. Deadly Dust: A case study of a Great Plain Dust Storm
62. Primary Ecological Succession in the
65. Analysis for Soil and Nutrient Loss by Runoff in Sloped
THE GROWING DEBATE72. Using Moringa Oleifera For Water Treatment In Rural Communities In South-Eastern
Korie Cornelius Emeka, Director, Advocacy, Communication And Mobilization Rural Contact Information: C/O Fuson Industries Limited, P.O Box 242 Owerri, Imo State Nigeria., Phone:2348035529759
Email:emekakorie@yahoo.com
Korie Cornelius Emeka, Director, Advocacy, Communication And Mobilization Rural In this paper the continual use of moringa oleifera seed suspension for treatment of raw water is presented.Special focus on its efficiency in the softening of hard water, improvement of clarity, removal of suspension solids (SS) and
the elimination of pathogens etc are highlighted. Results obtained for each of these tests were empirically obtained in the
laboratory, and scaled for large scale purification uses. Another peculiar features of results obtained in this study was the
introduction of activated carbon as a tertiary treatment process and which helped in the total elimination of any remaining taste
or odour. These results has once again given credence to the appropriateness of moringa oleifera (seed),whose strong coagulant
properties are responsible for these results, as another acceptable water treatment/purification option for rural households in
Nigeria, as well as elsewhere in the third world. The author therefore calls for massive cultivation of the moringa plant (tree)
moreso as an environmental green shed and the subsequent harvest of its seed for water treatment/purification.
Top of Page73. Potential of Using Compost to Decrease Irrigation Needs
Amending soil with compost has shown potential to reduce the need for irrigation in sandy loam soils. By applying 20 dry tons per acre of high quality compost, it is estimated that irrigation cycles could be reduced by 3 to 7 during a growing season. At existing energy prices, it is estimated that energy savings would be $300 to $2100 per year on a 130 acre system, depending on the energy source used.
74. Nikola Tesla: Victorian Age Environmentalist?
75. Is
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76. The effects tillage systems on phenology and metabolism of carbohydrate on winter wheat
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77. Farmland Preservation in
