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Nutrient Beneficial Management Practices Evaluation Project, 2007-2011 | |
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| | 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 Food and partners are implementing a five-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: Modeling
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 assist the agricultural industry to make decisions on improving farming practices to better protect the environment, enhance agricultural stewardship, and assess economic considerations. With the industry working to protect the environment, the province can continue to promote its food products to domestic and world markets as being produced and processed in an environmentally safe manner.
Publications
Brochure
Nutrient Beneficial Management Practices Evaluation Project 2007-2011 Brochure
Newsletters
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Spring 2008
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Fall 2008
Indianfarm Creek Watershed News - Fall 2009
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Spring 2008
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Fall 2008
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Summer 2009
Whelp Creek Watershed News - Fall 2009
Fact Sheets
Whelp Creek - July 2008
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 (formally PFRA)
County of Lacombe No. 14
Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 |
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Andrea Kalischuk.
This document is maintained by Bob Winter.
This information published to the web on February 12, 2008.
Last Reviewed/Revised on November 30, 2009.
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