Project Number: 5358-21410-003-03
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 28, 2007
End Date: Sep 27, 2012

Objective:
Determine the linkages and contributions of inundated agricultural lands and bordering riparian areas to aquatic habitats for anadromous fish species during the winter high stream flow periods and avian fauna utilizing these habitats during winter and spring. Determine the impact of farming practices on arthropod assemblages and its impact on soil and crop productivity. Determine landscape level interpretations using optimizations of physical effects and economic estimates.

Approach:
The research focuses on the movement of water from agricultural fields to aquatic systems during high winter precipitation periods. The role of perennial grasses in processing agricultural chemicals, particularly nitrogen, as well as contributing carbon to anadromous fish habitat is being determined. The movement of agricultural chemicals by overland flow from fields to streams will be measured and juxtaposed with the presence of fish in stream tributaries, bird breeding habitats, inundated fields, and riparian zones. Effects of field production practices on arthropod and molluscs contributions will also be determined. Linkages in nutrient flows between agricultural lands and fish will be measured. Documents SCA with OSU. Formerly 5358-21410-002-12S (9/09).