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Reduction of Agricultural Pollution by Promoting Nutrient Management
The Upper Niangua Hydrologic Unit (HU) project began in 1991 for the purpose of protecting and improving water quality in the Niangua River watershed and preserving or enhancing 40 miles of critical habitat for the Niangua Darter, a threatened fish species. The project area contains intensive dairy and beef operations, with emphasis on forage production, either for hay or pasture. Animal waste management in many cases was insufficient or unaddressed entirely and posed as a significant, potential source for ground and surface water pollution.
The watershed is a karst area which includes sink holes, losing streams, caves, and permeable soils. These areas are extremely vulnerable to contamination by allowing surface runoff to enter deep ground water or the Niangua River. The watershed area is also a major recreation area providing canoeing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Bennett Springs State Park (a major trout fishing area) is also located in the project area. The final destination of the Niangua River is the Lake of the Ozarks.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The minigrant award to the University of Missouri Extension Council of Dallas County is to support a project promoting sound nutrient management.
OBJECTIVES
The project is aimed at working one-on-one on nutrient management plans with producers who have installed animal waste management systems. The producers will understand through the use of soil, manure, and forage sampling the correct amount of manure to apply for crop needs. This will result in a reduction of commercial fertilizer used and reduced amounts of nutrients entering the Niangua River.
PRODUCTS
The project will include a tour of the cooperating farms, using a farmer-to-farmer approach to highlight the benefits of controlling nonpoint source agricultural pollution. Using this approach, educational materials will be developed to teach other farmers in the watershed the importance of counting fertilizer credits from their animal waste and legumes, so that proper amounts of fertilizer are applied to supply only what the crops need. The project will also work in conjunction with Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation showcasing management intensive grazing and riparian corridor protection and the Stream Team program.
PROJECT SPONSOR
University of Missouri Extension Council of Dallas County
COOPERATING AGENCIES
University of Missouri Extension Council of Dallas County, Environmental Protection Agency Region VII, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
CONTACT
University of Missouri Extension Council of Dallas County
P.O. Box 1070
Buffalo, MO 65622
Karen Ross 417-345-7551
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