Phosphorus Concentration in Agricultural Runoff
Loading...
Authors
Hutchison, Lauren
Issue Date
2022-04-07
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Scholarship Sewanee 2022 , agriculture , runoff , phosphorus , livestock , Virginia
Alternative Title
Abstract
There are several factors that need to be monitored to fully understand agricultural contributions to environmental degradation as well as the effectiveness of implementing sustainable practices. This study did so by sampling cow ponds from different locations in northern Virginia with different cattle exclusion methods to evaluate the phosphorus levels in each aquatic system. Through comparing these sites, there were conclusions shown through a statistical analysis to summarize both the current health of agricultural ponds compared to government recommended criteria and the effectiveness of varying forms of clean water practices. The data collection came from samples taken at six cattle farm ponds in northern Virginia that were collected in November 2021 and January 2022. The samples were compared using an ANOVA statistical analysis, which compared sample results by location. The findings of this study showed that all the test sites were above the recommended value by the EPA for the total P concentrations. There was also statistical significance shown through some of the locations, which provided partial credibility to the efficiency of clean water practices. These studies are important to both the overall issue of clean water in agricultural industry regions as well as the specific situation of Virginia agricultural practices. Currently under a voluntary stream exclusion program, there is potential for mandates to be put in place without a shown improvement in water quality by 2025. Taking progressional measurements into consideration it is clear that there is still a way to go to meet federal satisfaction. This study opens up the door for future research regarding the progress of clean water restoration efforts as well as the monitoring of agricultural impacts on overall regional water quality.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University of the South