Nichole M. Embertson, Ph.D. Whatcom Conservation District. May 2, 2012 Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer Groundwater Nitrate Science Forum Abbotsford, CN

Transcription

1 Nichole M. Embertson, Ph.D. Whatcom Conservation District May 2, 2012 Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer Groundwater Nitrate Science Forum Abbotsford, CN

2 Background ARM System Assessment Development Implementation and Monitoring Evaluation, Adaptation, and Outreach Preliminary Findings Questions/Discussion

3 System to address surface runoff, groundwater leaching, and air emissions in one tool Minimize pollution risk from manure application with education and effective management tools Address risk on a spatial and temporal scale Individual field analysis and assessment Seasonal criteria for risk (winter vs. summer, high vs. low risk) Accountability ARM Worksheet submittal Flexibility Farmers have better options when to apply Goal: Integrate ARM into nutrient planning processes

4 Soil and Ground Water Nitrate % of Yearly Total Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Month Soil NO3 Ground Water NO3 Gound Water Depth Precipitation Soil Temp These are smoothed annual trends based on actual data and will vary depending on soil type and seasonal conditions. *There is NO nitrate (NO 3- ) in manure

5 EPA Watershed grant to develop, test, adapt, and initiate ARM system 4 year study: Four Overlapping Phases: Phase 1 - Assessment Phase 2 - Development Phase 3 - Implementation and Monitoring Phase 4 - Evaluation, Adaptation, and Outreach

6 Field Level Risk Assessment Soil risk rating based on 15 factors: Soil type, permeability, seasonal high water table, distance to surface water, slope, hydrologic group, available water holding capacity, infiltration rate, flooding potential, compaction potential, runoff rate, aquifer recharge, wetlands present, and crop type (i.e., grass or corn) Example Risk Levels - Runoff: High Bare ground, adjacent water, high water table, flooding Med-High Minimal cover, high water table, ponding Medium Adjacent water, ponding, good infiltration, low slope Low-Med Dense cover, low water table, minimal slope Low Grass, no adjacent water, good infiltration, good AWC

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8 Fill out Worksheet Look at forecast Assess individual fields Application equipment Protective measures in place Worksheet Output Gives warnings, individual parameter risk ratings, overall risk, and max application rate Optional tools in the future to enter and log data Send to WCD Check and revise application if analysis is incorrect

9 Application Limiting Factors: Forecast: >0.25 in (day of); 0.5 in (cum. 3d) Soil Moisture: >90% Water Table: <12 in to surface (24 in) Vegetation Cover: <3 in height, <75% cover Conditions: frozen (>1 in), flooded Setbacks 2x filter strip width (Nov-Feb) Give overall risk (low-high) Application amount (risk:gal) Under review and revision throughout project

10 Implementation: Install on test farms (began Fall 2011) Update NMPs to include ARM Field mapping and risk analysis Monitor ARM system Monitoring, assessment, and validation: Soil, manure, forage, surface water, groundwater, soil water, and air Analyze application practices and resource relationships to identify BMPs

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14 Continuous evaluation and adaptation of ARM throughout the project Workgroups (Partner and Farmer): Offer feedback on system throughout project Outreach: Education of partners, farmers, and custom applicators Newsletter, list, webpage, workshop Manure Spreading Advisory BMPs and guidelines to reduce pollution risk Adapt ARM to use with all sectors of ag

15 Nutrient concentration gradient with depth ( with depth) Soil and soil water nitrate levels not necessarily correlated Soil types have different leaching characteristics Effect manure application timing recommendations Well and lysimeter data is comparable Still many unknowns and questions to be answered.

16 Questions/Discussion Nichole M. Embertson, Ph.D. Whatcom Conservation District O: (360) x 126 W: E: NEmbertson@WhatcomCD.org Disclaimer: The reproduction or use of any of the images or content within this document is not allowed without prior approval from the creator.