Overview
Non-point pollution from agriculture is the
principal source of water quality impairment throughout
the Midwestern states. Nutrients and pesticides applied
to agricultural lands are considered to be non-point source
pollutants and may have adverse effects on surface and
ground waters if applied improperly or in excess of crop
needs. These detrimental effects include potential contamination
of drinking water supplies and recreation waters, imposing
health risks on humans, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems.
The Heartland Nutrient and Pesticide Management
(NPM) team seeks to facilitate multi-state and inter-agency
communication and education to promote the use of agricultural
best management practices (BMPs) that aid in reducing non-point
source pollution. Increasing communication and sharing
of research findings throughout the region promotes regional
collaboration on BMP implementation for existing and future
projects as well as reducing the duplication of research
efforts. The efficient development, evaluation and dissemination
of this research-based information on nitrogen, phosphorus
and pesticide priority pollutants will also contribute
to the implementation of TMDLs and on-farm nutrient management
plans.
Objectives
Improve the availability of
technical and educational resources on Nutrient and Pesticide
Management to:
- Meet the needs of watershed planners,
technical service providers and producers and
- Address quantitative nutrient and pesticide
reduction goals, including goals related to TMDL implementation,
nutrient criteria and nutrient trading proposals.
Improve tools available for developing Comprehensive
Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP).
Provide input to states concerning nutrient
criteria.
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