1. Maryland vs. Virginia: A comparative analysis on agricultural policies and nitrogen load
Mariah Gonzalez, Ernie Lawson, John McClung, Beverly Maxwell,
Lorena Mondragon

2. RESEARCH QUESTION
How do differences in Maryland and Virginia agricultural policies correspond to the amount of nitrogen load reaching the Potomac River by each state?

3. HYPOTHESIS
Given that Maryland uses mandatory agricultural regulations and Virginia implements voluntary programs, we predict that nitrogen levels found in watersheds in Maryland will be lower than levels in Virginia.

4. NITROGEN ENTERS WATERSHED THROUGH SURFACE RUNOFF AND GROUNDWATER

5. AGRICULTURAL POLICY IN MARYLAND IS ENFORCED
Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program: audits sample farms and fines those not in compliance.
69% of 400 randomly selected were considered in compliance.
Custom management plans
Balance crop needs with environmental consideration

6. AGRICULTURAL POLICY IN VIRGINIA IS VOLUNTARY
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation encourages proper land management through the Nutrient Management Program:
Demonstration field days
Farmer meetings
Individual contacts
Educational materials
Tax credit program
Best Management Practices cost-share program

7. METHODS
County selection by highest proportion of agricultural land to total land area and located on opposite sides of the Potomac River:
Frederick County, Maryland
Loudoun County, Virginia

8. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL LAND USE IS SIMILAR IN SIZE
Frederick
Pasture/Hay
Planted/Cultivated
Cultivated Crops
Loudoun

9. METHODS CONT.
We then compared the amount of particulate nitrogen measured in the streams for a one year time period.
To interpret our results, we examined the amount of precipitation for each county during the subject time period.

10. FINDINGS

11. DISCUSSION
Findings indicate that particulate nitrogen levels are similar between both sub-watersheds.
Precipitation
Sensor placement

12. SENSOR LOCATIONS MAY INFLUENCE RESULTS

13. CONCLUSION
We did not find conclusive evidence that supports our hypothesis that Maryland’s agricultural policy implementation is more effective at mitigating nitrogen levels than Virginia’s laissez-faire agricultural policy approach.
Results show difficulty in proving effectiveness of enforced agricultural policy.