| | The study | Why these two watersheds? | Nutrient Losses and Water Quality Impacts | Study Design | The Big Picture: Modeling | Advancing Agricultural Stewardship | Publications | For more information | Project Partners
The Study
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and partners have implemented a six-year scientific evaluation of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) in two watersheds: Whelp Creek near Lacombe in central Alberta, and Indianfarm Creek near Pincher Creek in southern Alberta. In addition, there are two field sites in the Lower Little Bow River and Battersea Drain watersheds east of Picture Butte in southern Alberta.
Why These Two Watersheds?
Among several sites in Alberta considered for this study, the Indianfarm Creek and Whelp Creek watersheds were chosen for their diversity of farming operations, landscape, climate, and location. More importantly, the producers in these areas have shown an interest in enhancing environmental sustainability and have been supportive of various stewardship initiatives.
Nutrient Losses and Water Quality Impacts
Nutrients in livestock manure and inorganic fertilizers benefit crop production. However, snow-melt and rainfall runoff can wash valuable crop nutrients into streams and water bodies if nutrients are not managed effectively. Soil erosion or poor nutrient management practices can contribute to water quality problems like algae growth. Manure and inorganic fertilizers should be stored and applied to the land carefully to decrease nutrient losses and risks to water quality. The focus of this study is to assess the effectiveness of nutrient BMPs in reducing these impacts.
Study Design
Alberta producers have been using BMPs for many years, but there is little scientific data to show the environmental and economic effectiveness of BMPs. This project will address this information gap. The selected sites will be evaluated before and after BMP implementation through the monitoring of surface water quality and quantity, soil nutrient status, riparian health, and rangeland health. In addition, land cover, land use, and economic data will be collected and used in the overall assessment.
The Big Picture: Modelling
Based on the data collected in the study watershed sites, a computer model will be used for Alberta conditions to predict the environmental and economic effectiveness of BMPs in all agricultural watersheds of the province.
BMPs to be evaluated:
Nutrient Management
- Manure application based on nutrient management planning
- Liquid manure injection
- Timing the application of manure
- Incorporation of surface-applied manure
- Implementing recommended setbacks from streams for manure application
- Vegetative waterways in field
Livestock Management
- Riparian and pasture management
- Controlled access to waterways
- Managing the timing of grazing
Alteration of Infrastructure
- Wintering site relocation away from the waterway
Advancing Agricultural Stewardship
The results of this study will provide science-based information on selected BMPs. This information will be used to improve farming practices to better protect the environment and assess economic considerations. Lessons learned will also have a role in Regional Plans developed through the Alberta Land Use Framework initiative. The goal is to ensure the province can continue to promote its food products to domestic and world markets as being produced and processed in a environmentally safe manner.
Publications
Published Papers
Olson, B.M, Kalischuk, A.R, Casson, J.P, and Phelan, C.A. 2011. Evaluation of cattle bedding and grazing BMPs in an agricultural watershed in Alberta. Water Science & Technology 64(2): 326-333.
Brochure
Nutrient Beneficial Management Practices Evaluation Project 2007-2012 Brochure
Newsletters
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Spring 2008
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Fall 2008
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Fall 2009
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Winter 2010
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Spring 2010
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Early Fall 2010
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Late Fall 2010
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Spring 2008
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Fall 2008
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Summer 2009
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Fall 2009
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Fall 2010
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Spring 2011
Tours
2010 Indianfarm Creek Tour
2010 Whelp Creek Tour
Fact Sheets
Whelp Creek - July 2008
2010 Progress Report
2009 Progress Report
2008 Progress Report
2007 Progress Report
For More Information
Barry Olson
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Lethbridge, Alberta
Toll free 310-0000
Phone: 403-381-5884
Email: barry.olson@gov.ab.ca
Project Partners
Local producers in study watersheds
Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund
Alberta Environment
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Agri-Environment Services Branch
County of Lacombe No. 14
Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9
University of Alberta |
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