Protection of groundwater quality in limestone areas, where surface water rapidly plunges underground through sinkholes and networks of caves, can be a challenge. AFSRC scientists tested a constructed sinkhole filter designed by USDA-NRCS in West Virginia for effectiveness of removing contaminants from water before it goes underground. The sinkhole filter in the background of this beef pasture was one of the study sites.

More information about karst hydrology and water quality is available from Dr. Douglas Boyer

Photo by Susan Boyer