1. Joshua W. Faulkner, PhD WVU-Extension Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training Course December 16-17, 2009 *Portions Adapted from NRCS and WVCA Best Management Practices and Water Quality

2. BMP Overview BMP - Management strategy proven to reduce water quality pollution impacts. Can be managerial or structural and are site specific. Primarily focused on N, P, sediment, and pathogens. (i.e., Non-point Source Pollution) Selection is based on many factors, including economics, specific water quality concerns, operational characteristics, landscape, hydrology, and climate Harness natural processes to aid in pollution prevention

3. BMP Fundamental Approaches to NPS Pollution Address and control pollutant sources Modification of watersheds to prevent hydrologic activity of source areas Delivery control measures that increase natural attenuation of pollutants after leaving source area, either upland or directly before entering water body Slow pollutants and rely on natural biogeochemical cycles to remove pollutants

4. BMPs: Two types Nonstructural (Managerial) – Minimizes pollutant source or addresses it very near the source – E.g., prescribed grazing, conservation tillage, nutrient management, crop rotation Structural – Physical structure for removing or treating pollution – E.g., swale, channel, pond, wetland

5. In addition to water quality… Soil fertility Conservation of moisture Reduced tendency for soil compaction Improved crop or forage yield due to better soil productivity Decreased costs for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides Prevention of loss of farmland due to streambank erosion Improved soil tilth Increased organic matter and soil organisms

6. BMPs and Conservation Practice Standards Standards provide guidance for applying BMPs on the land; minimum acceptable level Should be scientifically supported through rigorous research Modifications are made based on regional/local conditions and experience Most recognized example are those developed by the NRCS

7. Selected BMP Descriptions and Water Quality Benefits

8. Conservation Crop Rotation PRACTICE INFORMATION Conservation crop rotation means growing various crops on the same piece of land in a planned sequence. This sequence may involve growing high residue producing crops such as corn or wheat in rotation with low residue producing crops such as vegetables or soybeans. The rotation may also involve growing forage crops in rotation with various field crops, including legumes. The effects crop rotation has on the land varies with the soil type, crops produced, farming operations, and how the crop residue in managed. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Reduced runoff and soil erosion by improving soil structure; can also reduce pesticide and fertilizer use.

9. Composting Facility PRACTICE INFORMATION The purpose of this practice is to biologically treat waste organic material and produce humus-like material that can be recycled as a soil amendment or organic fertilizer. Correct proportions of ingredients are essential to minimize odors and avoid pest problems. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Properly constructed and maintained composting facility protects water quality by reducing interaction of precipitation with waste material and reducing/eliminating pathogens. Compost use reduces erosion.

10. Conservation Cover PRACTICE INFORMATION Conservation cover involves establishing and maintaining a protective cover of perennial vegetation on land retired from agriculture production. Conservation cover applies to land retired from agriculture production. If wildlife is a consideration, adapted species are usually available that can serve more than one objective. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS This practice reduces erosion, runoff, and associated sedimentation and nutrient transport. Also creates or enhances wildlife habitat.

11. Constructed Wetland PRACTICE INFORMATION Designed to simulate natural wetlands. Often part of an agricultural waste management system and receives runoff from livestock or aquaculture facilities. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Surface and subsurface water storage, nutrient cycling, particulate removal, water filtration or purification and groundwater recharge. Can also provide wildlife habitat.

12. Simeral, K.D. 1998. Using Constructed Wetlands for Removing Contaminants from Livestock Wastewater. OSU Fact Sheet A-5-98. http://ohioline.osu.edu/a-fact/0005.html

13. Vegetative Treatment Area PRACTICE INFORMATION An area of permanent vegetation used for agricultural wastewater treatment. Often used for open-lot runoff, milkhouse wastewater, and silage bunker runoff. Alternative to conventional total containment and field-spreading. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Water filtration and nutrient removal.

14. Koelsch, R.K., J.C. Lorimor, and K.R. Mankin. 2005. Vegetative Treatment Systems for Treatment of Open Lot Runoff: A Review of Literature. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 22(1):141-153. *40 Data Sets

15. Contour Cropping/Strip Cropping PRACTICE INFORMATION Contour farming is performed on sloping cropland by following the natural contours when tilling the soil, planting, and cultivating. Strip cropping involves alternating strips of protective vegetation with less protective crops. Contour farming is a very cost effective practice when properly planned and applied. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Reduces soil erosion, runoff, and accompanying nutrient loss.

16. Cover Crop PRACTICE INFORMATION The coverage practice of growing a crop of grass, small grain or legumes primarily for seasonal protection and soil improvement. Cover and green manure crops are grown on cropland, orchards, vineyards, and certain recreation and wildlife areas where seasonal benefits of a cover crop are needed. These crops are usually plowed under or desiccated to accommodate the primary crop being produced on the site. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS This practice is used to control erosion, add fertility and organic material to the soil, improve soil tilth, and increase infiltration and aeration of the soil. This reduces runoff and nutrient loss to surface water.

17. Water Diversion PRACTICE INFORMATION A channel constructed across the slope with a supporting ridge on the lower side. The general purpose of this type of diversion is to divert excess water from one area for use or safe disposal in other areas. This practice applies to sites where: 1. Runoff damages cropland, grazing land, farmsteads, feedlots, or conservation practices such as terraces or stripcropping. 2. Surface flow and/or shallow subsurface flow caused by seepage is causing damage on sloping cropland. 3. Runoff is excessive and available for use on nearby sites. 4. A diversion is required to keep clean water from running through areas of animal waste or bare soil WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Diversion, when properly constructed and maintained, protects water quality by reducing soil erosion and preventing clean water from coming into contact with pollutants.

18. Filter Strip PRACTICE INFORMATION A filter strip is an area of vegetation established for the purpose of removing sediment, organic material, and other pollutants from runoff. Filter strips are generally located at the lower edge (s) of a field. This will vary somewhat with land use, topography and objectives. WATER QUALITY BENEFIT A filter strip helps remove pollutants (sediment, pathogens, and nutrients) from runoff before the material enters a body of water. It also serves as a buffer between water and the fields above the water so that pesticides and other chemicals are not applied directly adjacent or into the water body.

19. Grassed Waterway PRACTICE INFORMATION A grassed waterway is a natural or constructed channel established in suitable vegetation for non-erosive runoff transmission from fields or other areas. Waterways are generally planted to perennial grass. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Reduces erosion, gully formation, and allows for infiltration of bacteria and nutrients. Vegetation also has filtering effect on sediment present within runoff.

20. Heavy Use Area Protection PRACTICE INFORMATION Heavy use area protection is protecting heavily used areas (e.g. by livestock) by establishing vegetative cover, by surfacing with suitable materials, or by installing needed structures. The prescribed surface treatment is designed to accommodate the specific type of traffic expected to occur. Surface treatment may involve pavement for vehicle traffic or vegetation may provide sufficient protection for people and animal traffic. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Treatment provided by this practice primarily reduces erosion and runoff of animal waste, bacteria and nutrients.

21. Manure Transfer PRACTICE INFORMATION Manure transfer is a manure conveyance system using structures, conduits, equipment, or appropriate storage that prevents over application of nutrients and bacteria from animal waste. The purpose of the practice is to transfer animal manure, bedding material, spilled feed, process waste water, and other residues associated with animal production to a treatment facility or to agricultural land for final utilization as a source of organic material. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Eliminate/protect a source of pollution from coming into contact with water flows.

22. Nutrient Management PRACTICE INFORMATION Nutrient management involves managing the amount, placement, and timing of plant nutrients to obtain optimum yields and minimize the risk of surface and groundwater pollution. The objective is to apply the proper amount of nutrients at the proper time to achieve the desired yield and minimize entry of nutrients into surface or groundwater supplies. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Reduce nutrient sources available for interaction with, and transport by, water.

23. Prescribed Grazing PRACTICE INFORMATION Prescribed grazing is the controlled harvest of vegetation with grazing animals. Removal of herbage by the grazing animals is in accordance with production limitations, plant sensitivities and management goals. Frequency of defoliations and season of grazing is based on the rate of growth and physiological condition of the plants. In all cases enough vegetation is left to prevent accelerated soil erosion. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Reduces erosion and run-off of nutrients and bacteria from animal waste by ensuring sufficient vegetative cover is maintained.

24. Residue Management and/or Conservation Tillage PRACTICE INFORMATION Crops are planted and grown in fields with limited soil disturbance. The objective of this practice is to maintain a some portion of crop residue on the soil surface throughout the year. Increases soil organic matter and flora and fauna. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Increases infiltration and reduces runoff, reducing erosion and nutrient loss.

25. Residue Cover’s Impact on Runoff and Erosion Residue Cover (%) Runoff (% of rain) Runoff Velocity (feet/minute) Sediment in Runoff (% of runoff) Soil Loss (tons/acre) 045263.712.4 4140141.13.2 7126120.81.4 930.570.60.3 Hill and Mannering. 1995. Conservation Tillage and Water Quality. http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/WQ/WQ-20.html

26. Riparian Forest Buffer PRACTICE INFORMATION A riparian forest buffer is an area of trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to a body of water. The vegetation extends outward from the water body for a specified distance necessary to provide a minimum level of protection and/or enhancement. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Reduces erosion on stream banks, filter sediment, organic material, nutrients, pathogens and other pollutants in surface and shallow subsurface flow. Also enhances wildlife habitat both within water body and in riparian areas. Hydrologic impacts on stream flow regime.

28. Roof Runoff Structure (a.k.a. Gutter) PRACTICE INFORMATION Roof Runoff Structures are facilities for collecting, controlling, and disposing of runoff water from roofs. area. The purpose of this practice is to prevent roof runoff water from flowing across concentrated waste areas, barnyards, roads, and alleys.. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Prevents clean water from entering a pollutant source area. The practice also reduces the volume requirements of lagoons and waste storage facilities, and reduces the volume of effluent water requiring treatment or land application.

29. Streambank & Shoreline Protection PRACTICE INFORMATION Streambank & shoreline protection is using vegetation or structural techniques to stabilize and protect banks of streams, lakes, estuaries, or excavated channels against scour and erosion. This practice applies to natural or excavated channels where the streambanks are susceptible to erosion from the action of water, ice, debris, or to damage from livestock or vehicular traffic. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Reduces erosion and sedimentation in water body. Improves wildlife habitat in stream.

30. Use Exclusion PRACTICE INFORMATION Use Exclusion is excluding animals, people or vehicles from an area. The purpose of Use Exclusion is to protect, maintain, or improve the quantity and quality of the natural resources in an area. Common BMP for keep livestock out of waterways. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Limits pollutant deposition in streams. Prevents increased streambank erosion, and encourages vegetation which can act as pollutant filter.

31. Waste Storage Facility PRACTICE INFORMATION To temporarily store wastes such as manure, wastewater, and contaminated runoff as a storage function component of an Agricultural Waste Management System. They should minimum storage period shall be based on the timing required for environmentally safe waste utilization considering the climate, crops, soil, equipment and local, state, and federal regulations WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Contain pollutant source and prevent movement of nutrients and pathogens to water bodies.

32. Waste Treatment Lagoon PRACTICE INFORMATION A waste treatment lagoon is a practice used to store and biologically treat organic waste. Three types: 1. Anaerobic - require less surface area than naturally aerobic lagoons but may give off offensive odors. 2. Naturally aerobic - require more surface area but are relatively odor free. 3. Mechanically aerated - comparable in size to anaerobic lagoons but require energy for aeration. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Contain pollutant source and remove nutrients and pathogens from water before discharge.

33. Watering Facility PRACTICE INFORMATION A device (tank, trough, or other watertight container) to provide watering facilities for livestock and/or wildlife at selected locations. This practice applies to all land uses where there is a need for new or improved watering facilities. WATER QUALITY BENEFITS Protect and enhance vegetative cover and reduce erosion through proper distribution of grazing. Protect streams, ponds and water supplies from contamination by providing alternative access to water.

34. In Summary… A multitude of structural and managerial BMPs exist to improve water quality Understanding the basic fundamentals behind each BMP is critical to improving water quality Selecting the ‘best’ BMP(s) for a given situation depends on many variables