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Stream Protection Using Solar Water Pumps for Rotational Grazing
The majority of Missouri cattle operations are pasture operations. Nonpoint source water pollution arises from pasture operations in the form of nutrients/pathogens from livestock manure, and silt and sedimentation from streambank and field erosion. A managed, rotational grazing system using fenced paddocks reduces nutrients in streams by keeping livestock out of the water and by keeping manure on the land. The system also helps reduce streambank erosion caused by trampling, and decreases field erosion by increasing the vitality of the forage on the land. An essential element in making this system work is to prevent livestock from drinking directly from streams. Thirty-three percent of the proposed grant funds will be dedicated to a specific watershed in the Elk River Basin in Southwest Missouri that is on the 303(d) list. That watershed is Indian Creek, Category I, 26 miles of which is listed for nutrients as the pollutant in McDonald and Newton counties. Remaining solar pumps will be distributed statewide with highest priority given to producers located in watersheds containing 303(d) listed waters. An impediment to establishing rotational grazing systems is the lack of an energy source in remote areas.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Solar pump systems will be installed only on farms that do not currently have livestock excluded from all streams, and where a rotational grazing system will be implemented or added to. The solar pump systems will provide alternative watering for livestock located in areas where there is no ready access to a power source, with the provision that animals are to be excluded from riparian areas by means of a rotational grazing system. The sponsor proposes to implement as many pump systems as possible in 303(d)-listed waters in southwest Missouri, with particular focus on Indian Creek in McDonald and Newton counties; remaining pumps will be distributed statewide with highest priority given to producers located in watersheds containing 303(d) listed waters. Information will be collected will include: number and location of systems installed; numbers of livestock excluded from streams; number of miles of riparian corridor where livestock have been excluded from streams; signed maintenance contracts with landowners that receive the pump systems; cost/benefit data on the efficiency of the systems; reliability and effectiveness of the pumps; and photographic documentation of the sites and pump systems. Tours/field days will be held at the sites.
OBJECTIVES
1. To reduce nonpoint source pollution by providing solar powered water systems to farmers and ranchers who would like to establish a managed rotational grazing system in remote areas where electrical costs prohibit conventional power options.
2. To reduce streambank erosion and nutrient contamination of streams by fencing cattle using rotational grazing as a best management practice.
3. To demonstrate use of solar water pumps in managed grazing systems and provide cost/benefit data on efficiency, reliability and effectiveness of the pumps.
PRODUCTS
Number of systems installed, numbers of livestock excluded from streams, miles of riparian corridor where livestock have been excluded from streams, cost/benefit data on the efficiency of the systems, reliability and effectiveness of the pumps, photographic documentation of the sites and pump systems, and tours/field days
PROJECT SPONSOR
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Outreach and Assistance Center, Environmental Assistance Office
COOPERATING AGENCIES
McDonald and Newton County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Livestock Associations, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
CONTACT
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Outreach and Assistance Center
Environmental Assistance Office
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City , MO 65102-0176
Roger Korenberg
telephone: 573-526-6627 / 1 (800) 361-4827
email: nrkorer@dnr.state.mo.us
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