Field Assessment for Water Resource Protection Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service

Want to do a better job of protecting soil & water quality?

Where do I start?

What is a Field Assessment? Helps you assess your: Nutrient Management Soil Conservation Pest Management Drainage & Irrigation Management Areas Adjacent to Fields Use Extension publication: Field Assessment for Water Resource Protection (WQ-42)

Streamlined Method 1.Answer questions 2.For “No” or “Don’t Know” answers go to recommendations and assistance 3.Write down an action plan to improve upon weaker areas of management Uses a 3-step “quick check” method to ask key questions about field practices.

Assessment Quick Check

Recommendations

Action Plan

Let’s Try It

Background Information for Field Assessment Example Corn and soybeans are alternated from year to year No cover crops are grown No manure is applied Soils are tested for nutrient, mineral, and organic matter levels once every four years, but no other nutrient monitoring methods are used Tends to go on what fertilizer dealer recommends for application rates on nitrogen Nutrients are often applied in fall along with fall plowing due to time crunch of spring planting Unless it is raining, herbicides are applied to schedule, and label and rates followed, but no crop scouting is conducted Insecticides are applied if evidence of pests present, but application is not based on economic thresholds Field soils and topography have not been evaluated for potential for leaching and runoff of nutrients and pesticides Sensitive environmental areas (streams, karst, etc.) are recognized, but no specific management actions are taken to protect them Pesticides are mixed over the gravel driveway using a hose with no backflow device directly into spray tank Chemical jugs are triple rinsed and recycled

Implement the Action Plan Implement the action plan Contact your local Extension Educator, and Soil & Water District for assistance Ask about conservation programs for the practices you are seeking to improve upon.

Monitor Changes in the Soil Farmer driven Easy to do Increases soil quality knowledge Evaluates impact of practices Leads to better decision making Use Extension publication “On-Farm Soil Monitoring for Water Resource Protection, WQ-43”

How to obtain materials Call toll free to Purdue Extension EXT-INFO and ask for WQ-42. Click on ‘Field Assessment’ at waterquality. waterquality Ask your County Extension Educator

Field Assessment for Water Resource Protection helps you: Assess your current practices, Identify recommended changes, Find Purdue publications and other resources that can help, Complete a plan for making the changes, Determine your next steps to improving and monitoring your practices. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service