Sasha Park Max Stahl Parmis Sahrapima Period 4 Agricultural Runoff Sasha Park Max Stahl Parmis Sahrapima Period 4

Agricultural Runoff Definition: The process of rainwater carrying pollutants into bodies of water. Non-point source water pollution. Comes from many different sources. Delivers pollutants indirectly. Rainwater that cannot penetrate into soil collects agricultural pollutants and carries them into bodies of water. Largest source of water pollution that impacts the water quality of rivers and lakes. Second largest source of destruction to wetlands. Major contributor to the pollution of estuaries and groundwater.

Importance of Agricultural Runoff Water sources are a vital part of ecosystems. Source of drinking water and homes for water-dependent organisms. With contaminated water, many organisms are negatively affected. Nitrogen and Phosphorus from fertilizers help oxygen-depleting algae grow. Why is this important? Reduces the amount of oxygen available for other sea creatures. Red Tides: Also known as algal blooms. Process in which algae (phytoplankton) rapidly accumulate in water. Why is this important? Outbreaks of life-threatening diseases and poisoning to marine animals. Dead Zones: Areas of bodies of water that lack enough oxygen to sustain much life. Can harm fish industry.

Red Tides and Dead Zones

Causes to Agricultural Runoff Nitrogen and Phosphorus Causes algae to grow in aquatic communities. The algae breathe in too much oxygen, leaving very little for other sea creatures. The algae also block sunlight, killing even more organisms. This begins the process of Eutrophication. The reduction of surface water quality from increasing nutrient concentration.

Eutrophication Process by which a body of water becomes rich in dissolved nutrients. Supports the growth and breakdown of oxygen-depleting plant life. Begins with increased algae growth. Water clarity reduced. Water smells and tastes bad, costs more to filter, and poses as a threat to human health. Less oxygen in the water, which kills sea creatures. Toxins from cyanobacteria threaten human and animal health.

Eutrophication =

Causes to Agricultural Runoff Pesticides End up in agricultural runoff when: Great amount is applied to crops. Washed off shortly after being applied. This kills sea creatures and contaminates the water supply. Organic Matter Causes a “biochemical oxygen demand” on water. Causes a decrease of oxygen in streams. Causes death in marine animals. Metals and Salts Do not appear in large amounts, usually not a problem.

Causes to Agricultural Runoff Sediments Become a part of agricultural runoff due to soil erosion. Decrease amount of sunlight reaching water plants. Contribute to algal blooms and depleted oxygen. Damage marine life and decrease the amount of materials able to be stored in lakes and ponds. Pathogens An infectious agent or germ. Carried by rainwater from fertilizers. Cause diseases when humans drink the water and when sea creatures host them.

Causes to Agricultural Runoff Livestock Grazing Exposes soil Boosts erosion Paves way for the growth of unwanted plants. Example: Cows produce more than 260 gallons of manure each year in Brown County, Wisconsin. Irrigation Excessive irrigation effects water quality. Decreases amount of water in streams and rivers. Carries other pollutants.

Solutions to Agricultural Runoff Management practices: Practices aimed at reducing a specific cause to agricultural runoff. Controlling volume and speed of runoff water. Keeping soil in one area. Minimizing movement of soil. Management measures: A series of practices aimed at achieving a broader goal. Minimizing nutrient losses.

Solutions to Agricultural Runoff Buffer Strips Designed to intercept pollutants and deal with other environmental issues. Reduce soil erosion and improve soil quality. Clean water. Save money and save the environment. Creation of above-ground structures to store manure and water runoff.

Difficulties in Stopping Agricultural Runoff Difficult to find sources of the runoff. Some farmers do not want to take the necessary actions to prevent it, and we can’t force them to. So many causes that it is difficult to control.

Outlooks on Agricultural Runoff Government provides money to farmers so that they can apply the aforementioned solutions to agricultural runoff. Clean Water Act: Minimizing water pollution and agricultural runoff. Laws require permits to use herbicides and pesticides. Farmers are educated about agricultural runoff. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Techniques to reducing contamination from pests. Water quality is checked and regulated. Agricultural Waiver Program: Education of farmers on good practices, which reduces pollution.

Contacts EPA Groundwater and Ecosystem Restoration Center: 617-918-1991 EPA National Pesticide Information Center: 1-800-858-7378 EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791 http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hotline.htm Call 831-646-8840 to report polluters to the Monterrey Coastkeeper.

Review Fertilizer Body of Water Agricultural Runoff Fish Fish Fish Rain Rain Rain Rain Review Rain Rain Rain Fish Fish Fertilizer Fish Fish O O Body of Water O Soil O Algae Agricultural Runoff N Algae Algae P Bacteria Algae

Resources http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/buffers/ http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/agricultural-runoff-has-harsh-impact-on-environment-658902.html?showComments=true&page=2&more_comments=false http://www.rivernetwork.org/rn/poor-agricultural-practices-and-runoff http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hotline.htm http://www.otterproject.org/site/pp.asp?c=8pIKIYMIG&b=4174831 http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9181 http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/Ag_Runoff_Fact_Sheet.pdf http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/civil/articles/74363.aspx http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/march16/gulf-030905.html

One cow produces as much waste as 18 people. Fun Fact One cow produces as much waste as 18 people. Moo