Comparing Perceptions of Riparian Function to Assessed Conditions: Implications for Management
Mimi Wagner, Iowa State University Department of Landscape Architecture, Stephanie Synder, USDA Forest Service
Contact Information: Mimi Wagner, Iowa State University Department of Landscape Architecture, 146 Design, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, Phone: 515-294-8954 Fax: 515-294-2348, mimiw@iastate.edu
The extent and condition of many of riparian areas have been altered over the last century by our land use, development, and management choices. Biophysically, they function in several critical ways, including contributions to water quality, soil conservation, aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and flood storage. The productivity and juxtaposition of riparian areas makes them vulnerable for conversion and development, impacting their ability to function and provide environmental benefits.
Management, preservation, and restoration policies and actions are needed to safeguard their value and functions. Previous research identifies critical relationships between social perceptions and riparian planning. Specifically, individual’s values, beliefs, and technical understanding influence their riparian management decisions.
We examine the relationship between biophysical condition and local perceptions of riparian quality and function. We utilized Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (USDA NRCS) to evaluate riparian area functionality and condition, and then compared results with statistically representative survey findings of riparian condition perceptions from watershed residents. Respondents identified characteristics that they relate to streams in acceptable condition as well as their use of and expectations for the stream.
We found that people value streams for different reasons, which influenced their expectations for stream functionality. Characteristics associated with streams in acceptable conditions also varied widely. This information allows public land managers and conservation organizations to target technical assistance, incentive programs, restoration priorities, and educational materials to help landowners more effectively manage their lands to meet their riparian goals, and in particular, goals appropriate to the condition of their stream.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
Flexible geomorphic field assessment and its implementation in watershed management systems
Dr. Alex Brunton, Geoscientist, W.F. Baird & Associates Limited
Contact Information: Dr. Alex Brunton, Geoscientist, W.F. Baird & Associates Limited
627 Lyons Lane, Suite 200, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 5Z7, 905-845-5385
Several previous geomorphic field assessment techniques (including catchment baseline surveying; fluvial audit and bank erosion assessment; river habitat survey; Rosgen classification; river corridor survey; rapid geomorphic assessment) have been combined and modified to create a flexible geomorphic survey system for rivers and watersheds. In addition to providing standard baseline information, the system is modular, with specific components for urban rivers; wetlands; agricultural drainage systems; artificial channels; bedrock channels; large rivers and steep, ravine creeks. The system is optimized for Pocket PC and it is GIS-compliant.
The geomorphic field assessment system is designed to provide background data for river channel and watershed management initiatives. For example, qualitative sediment budgets can be constructed; banks erosion mechanisms can be identified and channel enhancement, mitigation and protection activities can be prioritized using this system. The system has now been tested on several watersheds in Canada and the USA, ranging in size from 100-15,000 km2. Feedback from watershed managers on the usefulness of the system for watershed management has been highly positive. The background to the development of the system is discussed, along with project results and future development initiatives.
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Cost-Effective Targeting of Riparian Buffers in Agricultural Watersheds
Dr. Wanhong Yang, Department of Geography
Contact Information: Dr. Wanhong Yang, Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada, 519-824-4120
This paper develops an integrated economic, hydrologic, and GIS modeling framework to examine the cost-effective targeting of land retirement for establishing riparian buffers in agricultural watersheds. Previous studies have examined the efficiency of targeting large land parcels for retirement or targeting management practices such as conservation tillage but have not considered narrow variable buffer strips. An empirical application of the framework in the Canagagigue Creek watershed of Ontario in Canada shows that average and marginal costs of sediment abatement increase at an increasing rate as the environmental goal becomes more stringent. The locations of the buffer strips vary across the watershed and are not necessarily located on those sites with greatest slope or those adjacent to visible streams. Cost effectiveness is further increased if the targeting is extended to allow for the width of the buffer strip to vary by location rather than assume a uniform width. The modeling results have important policy implications for the design of conservation stewardship programs such as setting appropriate environmental health goals based on marginal abatement costs relative to marginal benefits, and setting physical characteristics of the riparian buffers for selection along the drainage network in targeted sub-catchments.
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Effects of Forestry Streamside Management Zone Characteristics on Water Quality and Soil Movement.
William A. Lakel III, Instructor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, W. Michael Aust, Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, C. Andrew Dolloff, Associate Professor of Fisheries Science, Project Leader, USFS Southern Research Station Coldwater Fisheries Research Unit.
Contact Information: William A. Lakel III, Instructor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 228 CheathamHall, Blacksburg, VA 24061. (540)-231-7671 (O) (540)-231-3330 (fax). wlakel@vt.edu.
Forested streamside management zones (SMZs) are widely recommended for the protection of water quality from sedimentation, nutrient inputs, thermal pollution, stream channel stabilizations and enhancement of in-stream and riparian habitat. Beginning in 2001, twenty forested watersheds and first order streams/riparian areas were monitored for baseline data prior to treatment installation. Five treatments were installed across four blocks during 2003-2004. Each of sixteen watersheds of approximately 100 acres were clearcut harvested, site prepared with prescribed burning, and planted with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Within the watersheds, the streamside management zone treatments were established as 100 feet width with no thinning, 50 feet width with thinning, 50 feet width with no thinning, and a 15 feet "stringer". Four watersheds were retained as non-harvested to serve as controls treatments. Each of the five treatments was conducted within one of four blocks (Randomized Complete Block Design). Currently, we are examining the influence of the SMZ treatments on stream water quality, sediment loading and movement and channel geomorphology.
Water quality parameters of particular interest are nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate concentrations as well as dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Stream geomorphology and sediment changes are being monitored with a combination of erosion rods and sediment traps. The study sites will be monitored through the 2006 calendar year.
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Late Season Grazing with Early Season Wildlife Nesting Compatibility
John Klein, Project Manager – CRP Research and Demonstration Project
Contact Information: John Klein, CRP Research and Demonstration Project, USDA-NRCS, 2243 Loomis St. #2, Corning, Iowa 50841 Phone: 641-322-3116
Typical livestock grazing practices preclude the probability of success for ground nesting wildlife, including game birds such as pheasants and quail. This is because of livestock trampling of nests, and lack of vegetative structure after grazing.
The Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee, Iowa State University, and NRCS are cooperating in a study in southern Iowa* that investigates a management change that would allow for splitting of the forage season using warm-season native grass pastures.
Wildlife nesting has priority for the first half of the growing season. By using bunch type warm season grasses, the earliest growth is later in the season, allowing for greater nesting opportunities. Pheasants will be the primary species example, because of their economic importance to landowners and rural communities.
Forage quality and harvest is the second half priority. Harvest can be direct grazing by livestock or haying. The warm season grasses forage is still useable by mid-July in Iowa when the primary wildlife nesting season ends.
This presentation will outline the growth cycles of warm season grass and the common Iowa upland grassland birds. Compatibility will be emphasized. Landscape management to create this dual function and multi-crop approach will be outlined.
This study is being watched by numerous interest groups, including agricultural policy planners as a method of developing a win-win formula that reaches a compromise of wildlife critical needs with the forage needs of livestock. Forage producers with wildlife interests (economic or quality of life), and wildlife enthusiasts will be interested in this study.
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The Effects of Drought on the Health of Southeastern Colorado Rangelands
David A. Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact Information: David A. Miller, District Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, 200 S. 10th Street, Rocky Ford, Colorado, 81067 Phone: 719-254-7672, ext. 109 Fax: 719-254-4541 Email: david.miller@co.usda.gov
In 2002, Colorado was in the grip of a multi-year drought—the worst and most widespread on record. It had severe effects on agriculture, tourism, recreation, commerce, water supplies, and wildlife.
Approximately 60% or 14.5 million of Colorado’s 24 million acres of privately-owned rangeland were severely impacted. Recovery has been slow.
In 2002, Colorado ranchers either sold or moved record livestock numbers to other states for grazing. Colorado saw a 60% decrease in the mother cow herd that year. The drought jeopardized the integrity of rangeland resources besides having negative economic impacts on Colorado ranches and rural communities.
Beginning in 2002, USDA-NRCS personnel began to help ranchers recover. To foster recovery, some ranchers have implemented improved grazing management and de-stocked their rangeland appropriately.
Ranchers who improved their grazing management are seeing perennial plants recover rapidly. Ranchers who continue to graze without management improvements won’t see recovery for 10 or more years.
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Effects of a Restored Elk Population on Soils, Vegetation, and Water Quality in Eastern Kentucky
Julia M. Ter Beest, Christopher D. Barton, David S. Maehr, and Jeffery L. Larkin
Contact Information: Julia M. Ter Beest, University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry, T.P. Cooper Building, Lexington, KY 40546
Phone: (859) 257-5841 Fax: (859) 323-1031 Email: jmterb2@uky.edu
A restored elk (Cervus elaphus) population in eastern Kentucky may be altering ecosystem processes in the forest-surface mine landscape. Elk frequently use forested ridge-tops as resting and ruminating sites. These locations are characterized by sparse or absent leaf litter and vegetation, large dung deposits, and urine-saturated soils. Research objectives focused on determining elk effects on soil nutrients, vegetation, erosion potential, and water quality using a series of fenced exclosures, 8 on disturbed forested ridge-tops and 8 on reclaimed grasslands. Soil analyses included % moisture, pH, total nitrogen, total carbon, ammonium, and nitrate levels. Litter depths, % bare ground, % vegetation, and % woody debris were measured for each site. Sediment and water samples were collected monthly from sediment traps on 2 reference and 2 experimental ridge-tops. Means and standard errors were calculated for all response variables in exclosed, non-exclosed, and reference sites. Paired Student’s t-tests were used to determine significance (p ? 0.10). Disturbed ridge-tops (2.42 ± 0.81 mg/L outside exclosures) had higher levels of soil ammonium than reference sites (0.56 ± 0.14 mg/L) in spring 2004. Sediment from traps averaged 9.9 g/month inside exclosures, 13.2 g/month outside exclosures, and 4.6 g/month on reference ridge-tops. Simplified vegetative structure, reduced litter depths, higher sediments, and elevated ammonium levels on ridge-tops used by elk suggest that this reintroduced species is changing some attributes of the Cumberland Plateau landscape. Continued monitoring of these areas is recommended so that managers can fully understand the long-term impact of the return of this large, herding herbivore.
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Management Of 12-Month, Two Crop Forage System For Safe Sustained Use Of Swine Effluent Spray Field.
Dr. Dennis E. Rowe, USDA-Agriculture Research Service
Contact Information: Dr. Dennis E. Rowe, USDA-Agriculture Research Service
Waste Management and Forage Lab, 810 Highway 12 East, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5367 drowe@ars.usda.gov
The swine lagoon effluent is repeatedly land applied via summer irrigation to the same nearby fields. The potential for nutrient pollution of water is increased with increasing concentration of manure nutrients in the soil. In the South, a warm season summer forage, usually bermudagrass, and a cool season winter forage, often ryegrass, are used in the spray fields. Harvesting both winter cover crop and summer crop increases nutrient removal rates. Harvesting berseem clover, a winter cover crop, twice in the Spring can increase P, Zn, and Cu removal by 25, 40 and 72%, respectively, over that removed by ryegrass. A comparison of winter species and harvest dates found both factors important to nutrient yields. The winter harvest system also impacted the summer yields. For the 12-month management system the best winter harvest system was not the most productive for either the winter or summer forage. two crop forage system, swine effluent spray field, swine lagoon
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:0.5 NM:0.5 CM:0.5 PM:
Total CEUs: 1.5
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Effects Of Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems On Leachable Nitrogen, Change In Soil Organic Nitrogen, And Soil Erosion In Western Iowa Watersheds
Michael Burkart and David James, National Soil Tilth Laboratory and Matthew Liebman and Carl Herndl, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
Contact Information: Michael Burkart, National Soil Tilth Laboratory, 2150 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011 Phone: 515-294-5809 Fax: 515-294-8125 Email: burkart@nstl.gov
Erosion and surplus agricultural nitrogen (N) are indicators of nitrate and sediment in water resources. This paper quantifies the surplus N available for leaching, changes in soil organic N (SON), and erosion under existing land use patterns in watersheds in western Iowa and then evaluates these same indicators under two alternative land use scenarios. The alternative land uses increase land area under perennial cover, integrate livestock with cropping systems, and reduce inorganic fertilizer use. We used the Water Erosion Prediction Program (WEPP) to estimate erosion and a N-budget model to estimate leachable N and changes in SON. The N model described here is widely applicable because it utilizes commonly available georeferenced data on soils, crops, and livestock. Maximum annual erosion rates were estimated to be 22 Mg ha-1 under current conditions, double the regional maximum at which soil is maintained as a medium for plant growth (T). Under alternative land uses, erosion was between 1.1 Mg ha-1 and 5.5 Mg ha-1, well below T. Annual leachable N was as much as 43 kg ha-1 for current conditions, but consistently less than15 kg ha-1 under alternative land uses. Maximum SON losses were 23 kg N ha-1 under current conditions while SON increased by as much as 18 kg N ha -1 under alternative land uses. These results indicate that erosion may be minimized, leachable N could be decreased and SON may be increased by better accounting of N inputs and altering the distribution and species composition of crop and pasture systems.
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Use Of Vetiver Grass To Control Erosion For Downstream Water Quality Improvement
Mohammad H. Golabi, Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Sciences
University of Guam, Clancy Iyekar, Dwayne Minton.
University of Guam and US-Forestry Division in the Pacific
Contact Information: Mohammad H. Golabi, Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam
Mangilao, Guam-USA 96923 (671) 735-2134 mgolabi@guam.uog.edu
University of Guam, Clancy Iyekar, Dwayne Minton.
University of Guam and US-Forestry Division in the Pacific
Soil erosion and sedimentation, as the result of the runoff is the principle anthropogenic threat to the coral reefs in the Pacific Island of Guam. Sever soil erosion as the result of forest burning not only is the major cause of land degradation of Guam’s landscapes but sediment loss due to erosion from the watersheds, ranches and farmlands clogs rivers, lakes, waterways and more importantly damages the coral reef that is the major attraction for the tourist. Sediment loss also reduces the water storage capacity of reservoirs and canals and increases flooding. In this project Vetiver grass is used as a watershed management technique to mitigate the sediment loading and improve the water quality hence better the health of reef ecosystem of the Island. Four flumes (72ft X 4ft) are installed on a uniformly sloped selected watershed area to measure the runoff and estimate the sedimentation rate under four different treatments. Treatments are: ‘as it is condition’, ‘completely exposed condition’, ‘burned’ and finally establishment of ‘Vetiver grass’ as the sediment trap technology. Sets of suspended runoff/sediment samplers are constructed in a runoff-collecting tank placed at the bottom of each treatment plots for the measurement of sediment discharge as well as runoff assessment. Samples are used to measure the turbidity and the amount of sediment collected under each treatment for erosion assessment and the to evaluate the effect of Vetiver grass as erosion control technology
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Establishing cover crops at time of corn planting: Determining soil and water quality benefits
Paul R. Salon, Peter J.A. Kleinman and Robert R. Schindelbeck, USDA - NRCS, USDA - ARS, and Cornell University
Contact Information: Paul Salon, USDA-NRCS 441 So. Salina St. Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-477-6535 Fax: 315-477-6550 Email: paul.salon @ny.usda.gov
The establishment of cover crops following silage corn can be a challenge in the Northeast with sometimes marginal environmental benefits in the fall and winter. The establishment of cover crops at the time of corn planting takes advantage of good soil moisture, a prepared seed bed and early growth. Herbicides are used to suppress the cover crops while controlling weeds. Studies were conducted using different herbicides, cover crops and their seeding rates to develop a system allowing for good weed control, corn yields and improved cover for environmental benefits. Results show no significant yield reduction with this system when cover crops are sown at the recommended rates and weeds are adequately controlled. Rainfall simulation studies were conducted to investigate the effects of this cover system on sediment and phosphorus runoff from soils before and after dairy manure application. Prior to manure application cover crops functioned to decrease surface runoff, soil erosion and lower total phosphorus. Following surface manure application phosphorus losses where driven by dissolved reactive phosphorus. At the rainfall intensity and volume delivered (60mm h-1) there was no reduction of dissolved phosphorus from the cover crops. A soil quality study was conducted after four years of this system comparing the soil physical and biological effects of the cover crops with and without tillage. Soil measurements include: bulk density, infiltration, wet aggregate stability test, pore size distribution, particulate organic matter fractions, decomposition rate and mineralizable nitrogen. Both the large and small percent aggregate stabilities were increased by the annual ryegrass cover crop in both conventional and zone till treatments.
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Lifescapes And Landscapes: Decision-Making From A Holistic Perspective
Constance L. Neely, Africa Center for Holistic Management, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, A. Savory, Africa Center for Holistic Management, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, M. Casas, National Autonomous University, Chapa de Mota, Mexico
Contact Information: Constance L. Neely, 1160 Twelve Oaks Circle, Watkinsville, GA 30677, 706-540-2878 clneely@earthlink.net
Managing landscapes in developing country settings must be tied to community values and enhanced rural livelihoods. So, how can community based decision making take into account those essential elements that lead to social, economic, and environmental well being? The Wange Community in Zimbabwe suffers severe degradation and typifies many of the problems that plague rural communities in Africa. The livelihoods of the Wange are threatened by ever diminishing land productivity, water quality and flow and biological diversity. A further symptom of desertification is social breakdown expressed in the form of out-migration, violence or worse. The Africa Centre for Holistic Management, a not-for-profit training and demonstration site, has demonstrated that the land, water, and biological resource base can be healed. Building on the insight that overgrazing is a function of timing and not numbers of animals, smaller livestock herds are being combined. Herdsmen do not allow animals to return to plants before they have recovered while maximizing the benefit of animal impact for soil disturbance and fertilization. Livestock are healthier and have become a tool for improving soil aeration, water infiltration, seed germination, and increasing biological diversity and productivity. Understanding the ecosystem processes is only one piece of the Holistic Management decision making framework. Building on the insight of holism, the framework allows livelihood decisions to be based on what people value most deeply, a vision of a healthy ecosystem and what has to be in place to support these. Applications in Africa and Mexico and other countries will be presented.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:0.5 NM: CM:0.5 PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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The New York Stormwater Management Program - Benefitting Environmental Quality With All Land Uses
Donald W. Lake Jr.,PE,CPESC,CPSWQ
Contact Information: Donald W. Lake Jr.,PE,CPESC,CPSWQ, 361 Funk Road, Erieville, NY 13061 315-662-3744, dulac19@earthlink.net New York State Soil & Water Committee
This presentation explores the linkages and evolution of the stormwater program in New York State. Urbanized areas, developing suburban areas, and agricultural lands have come under the regulatory programs of the clean water act. State authorities have created general permits for construction operations, municipal separate storm sewer systems, and confined animal feeding operations. State and federal agencies who have had historical programs supporting local municipalities and farmers are faced with the task to meet the requirements in support of environmental quality. This presentation describes the development processes created, technical standards developed, and the program implementation of the New York program over these diverse land uses.
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Large Scale Prairie Landscape Management in SW Wisconsin
Peggie James, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact Information: Peggie James, NRCS Liaison at DNR, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: 608-264-9222 Fax: 608-267-7664 Email: peggie.james@dnr.state.wi.us
Approximately 45,000 acres in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin has been identified as the hightest priority for landscape-scale grassland protection. This area contains a high concentration of prairie remnants and represents one of the best sites in the Midwest to preserve prairies, rare prairie species and grassland birds in an open landscape. It is one of only five large ecological landscapes of special concern identified by The Nature Conservancy. Threats to the project include the loss of the dairy cow and increased development pressure from urban centers.
This paper outlines the strategies developed and implemented to conserve, enhance and expland a functioning grassland landscape; focusing on biological, cultural, historical, economic and recreational values. Nine partners including state, federal and non-governmental conservation organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help manage this unique landscape. The partnership has creatively drawn on programs that balance the multiple needs of the community. Management includes support and promotion of traditional agriculture, particularly grazing, reducing grassland fragmentation, and restoration of native
Developing Phosphorus Budgets in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Kathleen Arrington, Penn State University; David Hansen, University of Delaware; Douglas Parker, University of Maryland; Charles Abdalla, Penn State University; James Pease, Virginia Tech; and Alan Collins, West Virginia University
Contact Information: Kathleen Arrington, Penn State University, 305 Armsby Building, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-0054 Fax: 814-865-3746 Email: kea106@psu.edu
The geographic separation of crop and animal production has created areas where land-applied nutrients exceed local crop needs. These excess nutrients can degrade surface and groundwater resources. As part of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Water Quality
Program, we are developing cropland nutrient budgets for states, counties, hysiographic regions and watersheds within the Mid-Atlantic region.
Our project has initially focused on phosphorus (P). The budgets are estimates of major P inputs (manure and fertilizer) and outputs (harvested crops) for cropland. Estimates are based on annual data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture and fertilizer sales reports. We define the P balance for cropland as the difference between P inputs and outputs.
The state-level budget trends indicate that manure P production has been increasing throughout the region since 1939, primarily due to increases in poultry production. Although significant reductions in fertilizer use since 1978 have offset some of the recent manure P increases at the state level, annual P surpluses still occur. County-level budgets indicate that areas with intensive animal production correspond to each state’s areas of cropland P surpluses.
Nutrient management specialists in each Mid-Atlantic state use different coefficients to estimate manure P production and crop P removal. This project fostered discussion among research and Extension faculty about standardization of these coefficients for the Mid-Atlantic region. Standardizing these coefficients has allowed us to develop regional budgets, which can be used to develop regional strategies to address nutrient surpluses and protect regional water resources, such as the Chesapeake Bay.
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Using Phosphorus Budgets in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Charles Abdalla, Penn State University; David Hansen, University of Delaware; Kathleen Arrington, Penn State University; Douglas Parker, University of Maryland;
James Pease, Virginia Tech; and Alan Collins, West Virginia University
Contact Information: Charles Abdalla, Penn State University, 201 Armsby Building, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-2562 Fax: 814-865-3746 Email: CAbdalla@psu.edu
As part of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Water Quality Program, cropland phosphorus budgets for states, counties, physiographic regions and watersheds are being developed for use by decision-makers to address water quality issues. To begin extending this information, we have made the budget information available on our website: http://www.mawaterquality.org/budget. In addition to training of extension faculty/staff, presentations about the budgets have been given to representatives of government agencies, NGOs, feed/fertilizer industry representatives, and farmers. Feedback from these interactions are being used to refine the budgets and develop outreach messages and delivery approaches.
Budget information has been used to evaluate the potential for manure marketing within the region. Although some areas in the region produce more manure nutrients than can be utilized by the local crops, other areas could potentially import some these surplus nutrients to supply local crop needs. Surveys are being conducted in three counties in Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia to identify manure transport opportunities.
Small-group meetings with representatives from government agencies, environmental organizations and industry are being used to develop extension programs. Our approach is participatory – spatial and temporal results are provided via figures without interpretation. Representatives are asked what this information means to them and how it could be used. Their feedback is guiding extension program development. Additional refinements, including standardization of crop removal coefficients across states, will increase the budget’s utility to analysis to regional issue. Ultimately we envision the nutrient budgets to become a widely-used tool in future decisions impacting cropland nutrient flows in the region.
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SNAP-Plus: Making Conservation Planning Accessible to Nutrient Management Planners
Laura Ward Good, Paul Kaarakka, and Larry Bundy, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Bill Pearson, New Mexico Department of Enviroment
Contact Information: Laura Ward Good, Soil Science Department, 1525 Observatory Dr. , Madison, WI 53706-1299
Phone: 608-262-9894 FAX: 608-265-2595 Email:lwgood@wisc.edu
SNAP-Plus is a software program for preparing multi-year phosphorus (P)-based nutrient management plans in accordance with Wisconsin’s 590 Nutrient Management Standard. The SNAP-Plus package includes the USDA-NRCS RUSLE2 soil loss prediction software program and Wisconsin’s P Index, which is a surface-water-delivery-model P loss risk index for agricultural fields. The P Index is based on relationships between field characteristics, management practices and runoff P loads observed in field research and verified through on-going, year-round watershed monitoring projects throughout the state.
As SNAP-Plus is designed for use by crop producers and consultants, program data requirements are limited to information readily available to those users. SNAP-Plus allows them to assess the effects of changes in management practices on soil and phosphorus losses across a crop rotation. Although this program is specifically for Wisconsin users, the principles for linking RUSLE2 and the P Index with nutrient management planning can be used in any state. A current version of the software is available for free at www.snapplus.net.
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Evaluating a Nitrate Leaching Model for Nutrient Management Planning in Ontario
Chris Duke, Agricultural and Rural Division, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Ian McDonald, Keith Reid, Crop Technology Unit, Agricultural and Rural Division, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Pamela Joosse, Environmental Management Unit, Agricultural and Rural Division, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Contact Information: Chris Duke, Agricultural and Rural Division, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, 3rd Floor SE, 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
N1G 4Y2 (519) 826-3557 chris.duke@omaf.gov.on.ca
Ontario requires large-scale agricultural producers to manage nutrients with a Nutrient Management Plan. The NMP ensures that nutrients are applied at recommended agronomic rates, based on meeting crop requirements. The plan uses a nitrogen index to assesses the vulnerability of nitrate-N moving below the root zone in agricultural fields. The index uses hydrologic soil groups that are designated AA through to D [AA having the highest leaching risk, D the lowest]. A nitrate leaching model has been evaluated on several maize fields to test the risk of leaching in different soil hydrologic groups. In each of the 12 fields, soil physical and chemical properties were measured at three different slope positions. Soils were sampled in 15cm increments down to 120cm for nitrate and ammonia levels 6 times over the year. Root density was measured in August. The final plant biomass and nitrogen content was measured at each site. Weather data was collected near the sites. The terrain was measured using DGPS. A new version of the LEACHM-N model was chosen to use for predicting soil water N contents, it has several changes from previous versions, including a more refined crop growth component. The results of the model evaluation will be discussed. The estimated nitrate leaching risk is compared to the measurement in the different soil hydrologic groups.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:0.5 NM:1.0 CM: PM
Total CEUs: 1.5
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Rapid Nitrate Loss from the Vadose Zone of a Contaminated Desert Soil
Casey McKeon, Fiona L. Jordan,University of Arizona, Edward P. Glenn,University of Arizona, William J. Waugh, Environmental Sciences Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Steven G. Nelson, University of Arizona
Contact Information: Casey McKeon, 2601 E. Airport Dr., Tucson, AZ 85706" 520-626-3322 520-573-0852 cmckeon@ag.arizona.edu
A 1.6 ha plot of Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush) was established in a desert soil at a former uranium ore-processing plant, near Monument Valley, Arizona, to remediate N contamination. The plants were irrigated to stimulate growth and N uptake. NO3- loss from the soil was unexpectedly rapid in the first three years, but during the last two years, when irrigation was significantly decreased, no NO3- losses occurred. Initially, the soil contained approximately 180 mg kg-1 NO3--N distributed at depths up to 4.6 m, but concentrations decreased to 80 mg kg-1 after 41 months at all depths. NH4-N remained unchanged (c.a.180 mg kg-1). Soil moisture was generally below field capacity and soil-water flux showed no net downward movement. A salt balance showed a 10% decrease in soluble salts, attributable to NO3- loss. Additionally, microcosm studies indicate significant potential denitrification rates on the plot but not for control soils. The total losses of NO3--N were 1,360 kg ha-1yr -1 for the first three years, but remained unchanged over the final two years presumably due to decreased irrigation stimulating denitrification and a doubling of plant canopy cover increasing transpiration. These findings of rapid denitrification in the vadose zone of a desert soil are unique and may offer a low-cost method for NO3- remediation at similar sites. These findings are also of interest because considerable amounts of naturally occurring NO3- in deep vadose zone desert soils could be similarly mobilized by changing land use practices or climate change.
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The Role of International Environmental Conventions In Land Management
Edmund C. Merem, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
Contact Information: Edmund C. Merem, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Jackson State University, MS 39211, Phone: 601-4326864, Fax: 601-4326862
The rapid disappearance of global environmental resources such as agricultural land and sensitive natural habitats is now occurring at an alarming rate. This continues to undermine sustainable development, environmental quality and the conservation of natural resources. While it has been shown that economic growth and population pressure, threaten the land base of most nations, these factors trigger climate change, increased degradation and the loss of biodiversity. Apart from some inherent controversies surrounding the debate, societal frenzy over the threats of global environmental decline has resulted in a relative diffusion of norms of conduct among nation states directed at halting degradation of the environment. In the process, international environmental conventions are gradually emerging as universally recognized way of ensuring the management of landscapes for the attainment of environmental quality. Global environmental conventions provide a viable instrument for enhancing the management of landscapes for environmental quality through the promotion of increased awareness of the linkages between economy and the environment, intensification of research and monitoring, enforcement of standards, mobilization of resources and the promotion of international cooperation. The successful implementation of international environmental conventions could lead to considerable gains in the management of landscapes. This paper analyzes the role of international conventions in promoting global management of landscapes for environmental quality. Emphasis is on a review of the issues, regional case studies showcasing success stories among selected communities from North and Southern hemisphere as well as recommendations for future lines of action.
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Implementing the Monroe County Farmland Protection Plan: A case study
Bob King, Cornell Cooperative Extension-Monroe County, Johnson, P.J. Monroe County Department of Planning and Development, 50 W.
Main Street, Rochester NY, 14614
Contact Information: Bob King, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester NY, 14620
585.461.1000 x239 585.442.7577 rnk2@cornell.edu
Since 1999, the County of Monroe in the State of New York, has implemented a farmland protection plan based on the Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) methodology (USDA, 1996). In conjunction with a geographical information system, computerized property tax records (250,000 parcels with 22 data points), and spatial map data (e.g. road maps, soil surveys, sewer service areas) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result was an explanatory model for land use planning and implementation of a county wide farmland protection plan. This working model now provides guidance for developing and implementing local land use plans, economic policies and updates to comprehensive plans for 19 municipalities within the county. The use of land evaluation factors (soil type, slope, etc.) and site assessment factors (land conversions, parcel proximity to roads and sewers, etc.) has proven to be integral and explanatory in the formation and implementation of municipal policy at both the town and county level. As a result, twelve municipalities have either created individualized farmland protection plans or incorporated changes to their comprehensive plans. Six municipalities have implemented farmland protection plans through the use of purchase of development rights, while an additional five municipalities have made changes to comprehensive plans and/or zoning codes. Over 75 farms have been identified for purchase of development rights, with 12 farms now under contract, and an additional 10 farms pending approval.
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Market Based Approaches To Environment And Natural Resources
Asiimwe Alex, National Environment Management Authority (Nema)-
Contact Information: Asiimwe Alex, National Environment Management Authority (Nema), Uganda Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road,P.O. Box 22255, Kampala, Uganda
256-41-251064 256-41-257521 Asiimwex@nemaug.org
Market of environmental resources is mechanism, which facilitate buying, and selling. They are arenas in which people exchange scarce resources in order to meet their wants. Markets may be actual (real) or constructed markets. Actual markets are conventional mechanisms where buying and selling of goods and services take place using a medium of exchange (usually money). Constructed markets on the other hand are not real, but represent a stated willingness to pay or accept compensation for the provision or loss of good or service usually non-tangible environmental services (Emerton, Lucy 1997).
Environmental conservation and the prevention of environmental degradation costs money.
Therefore, this paper will focus on the following;
1) Economics and financial concepts in environment and natural resources management
2) Sustainable issues to consider in trade and environment.
3) Challenges and opportunities of trade in environment and natural resources.
4) Key entry points for mitigation of trade issues in environment and natural resources.
This presentation paper will be based on two-year experience in research on environment and trade related issues in Uganda.
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Delaware County Action Plan: Managing Land Resources to Protect Water Resources and Local Economies
Dean Frazier
Contact Information: Dean Frazier, Delaware County Department of Watershed Affairs,1 Gallant Avenue, Delhi, New York 13753
Phone: 607-746-8914 FAX: 607-746-8836 dean.frazier@co.delaware.ny.us
Ninety percent of New York City's water supply comes from west of the Hudson River. Over half of this watershed is within Delaware County which contains portions of basins feeding four of the City's reservoirs. Delaware County is implementing the Delaware County Action Plan (DCAP), a local comprehensive watershed management program. The mission is to assist county residents, farmers, businesses, and communities in meeting water quality parameters and objectives without loss of opportunities for economic vitality.
This paper illustrates how a comprehensive, voluntary, locally managed watershed management program works within the framework of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act and New York City regulations with state, regional, federal and local partners. DCAP's goal driven initiatives have sound scientific and technical bases with strong consideration for economic ramifications of proposed solutions involving agriculture, community and highway stormwater, onsite septic systems and stream corridor management. DCAP is integrated with other local watershed initiatives, municipal comprehensive plans and local land use regulations. The County's economic development strategy is oriented toward green companies with minimal impact on the New York City watershed and other water resources. Agriculture is a substantial source of phosphorus and a critical economic engine. Solutions for agricultural loadings include low cost managerial approaches, such as DCAP's Precision Feeding program, with economic benefits; transferable to any watershed. DCAP is under implementation across the County including the Susquehanna Basin. DCAP engages and empowers local communities and businesses to make sound economic decisions in the context of protecting water quality.
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Erosion and Runoff Modeling Using Remotely Sensed Tillage Data
Brian K. Gelder and Richard M. Cruse, Iowa State University
Contact Information: Brian K. Gelder, Iowa State University, 3210 Agronomy Hall, Ames, IA 50011, Phone: 515-231-9326 Fax: 515-294-3163 Email: bkgelder@iastate.edu
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 Walnut Creek watershed north of Des Moines, Iowa and then combined with data on crops, elevation, and climate to create a field level management database. WEPP was used in conjunction with the management database to model current runoff and sediment delivery to Walnut Creek along with runoff and sediment delivery under conservation and conventional management schemes.
This paper describes a method that can be used to remotely sense field level tillage and residue cover, transform the data into a GIS usable format, and input the data into the WEPP erosion model. It also includes analyses of the classification accuracy that can be expected from such a method and the changes in runoff and erosion that are predicted from different levels of conservation tillage adoption within the watershed.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.5 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.5
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Control of Runoff and Irrigation induced Erosion in Southern Portugal
Francisco L. Santos, João L. Reis, Nádia L. Castanheira, Rui O. Pires,
Contact Information: Francisco L. Santos Universidade de Évora, Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Núcleo da Mitra, Apart. 94, 7002-554 ÉVORA,Tel:266760823, Fax:266760911, e-mail: fls@uevora.pt
Most of the Mediterranean soils in Southern Portugal now being converted to irrigation were under dry-farming agriculture, in areas of sensitive soils, eroded or with high potential for erosion. The particular characteristic of these soils is its rapidly permeable A-horizon overlaying a B-horizon of very low permeability. Such fact leads to low infiltration of the applied irrigation water and, consequently high limitations to irrigation. Therefore for these soils to be under irrigation it is important to adopt soil and water conservation practices and correctly manage the irrigation systems, hoping that these practices will favour agriculture yields and preserve the environment, by reducing runoff and soil loss and enhancing the infiltration of applied water. One strategy to achieve such a goal and to help improve the soil physical properties is the use of soil conditioners, particularly the anionic polyacrylamide (PAM). Encouraging results have been obtained with their use in the irrigated soils of Southern Portugal, with the conditioner being able to stabilize soil surface structure and curb irrigation-induced erosion in surface irrigation as well as in sprinkler irrigated fields. Since 1997 that the Department of Rural Engineering of the University of Evora, Portugal has been applying anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) on field experiments conducted under surface irrigation (under contour and slopping furrows), also with pressurized irrigation (center pivot, gun sprinklers and sprinklers), and as well as in more controlled laboratory studies, to test the PAM usefulness in controlling erosion and enhancing infiltration of the most important irrigated unit soils in Southern Portugal. Methodologies of applying PAM have been tested such as direct application to the soil surface, in solution and posterior application to furrows and pressurized systems through the irrigation water, and in multiple and/or single applications. The results are conclusive, and in most of the studied soils PAM application has shown positive results in reducing runoff and sediment loss, enhancing also infiltration rates. This paper summarizes these studies, presents the state of art, the methodologies used and the main results and conclusions applicable to ten irrigated unit-soils in Southern Portugal.
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Buffer Strip Selection To Improve Surface Water Runoff From Urban Environments
Kurt Steinke, J.C. Stier, and W.R. Kussow, University of Wisconsin-Madison
