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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #282038
Title: Development and adoption of measures to prevent off-site nutrient transfers

Author
item Bryant, Ray
item Kleinman, Peter
item Jaynes, Dan
item Feyereisen, Gary
item Ippolito, James

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/18/2012
Publication Date: 7/22/2012
Citation: Bryant, R.B., Kleinman, P.J., Jaynes, D.B., Feyereisen, G.W., Ippolito, J.A. 2012. Development and adoption of measures to prevent off-site nutrient transfers. Soil and Water Conservation Society Proceedings. p. 22-23.

Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: While the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) has primarily focused on quantifying the benefits of existing conservation practices, CEAP has also contributed to the development of new measures that prevent off-site transfer of nutrients from farms to water bodies. We review case-studies demonstrating the role of CEAP-related research leading to the adoption of some of these nutrient reduction measures. In support of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, a behavioral study of in-stream defecation by pastured cattle aided in gaining acceptance of stream bank fencing by farmers and program managers in the New York City watershed. Acceptance of bioreactors in the Mississippi drainage basin stems from studies that first tested reactor media, then evaluated deployment methods, and finally examined site-specific performance. Analogous development of gypsum reactors to bind phosphorus in the Mid-Atlantic region has reached the stage of on-farm trials, with USEPA already identifying these filters as “next generation” measures for the Chesapeake Bay. By documenting reductions in nutrient losses in runoff, leaching, and volatilization, farmers are being provided with data to inform their choice between multiple styles of commercially available manure injectors. New research supported by the city of Boise, Idaho in the Snake River watershed shows the potential for water treatment residuals to enrich phosphorus binding capacity of engineered wetlands. Clearly, CEAP objectives go beyond quantifying the benefits of past conservation efforts and include the introduction of the conservation measures of the future.