Project Number: 1902-21000-007-12
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2011

Objective:
To provide quantitative information and analytical tools that can be used to evaluate the impact of selected grazingland conservation practices on natural resource values.

Approach:
University Park Approach: Combine on-farm field work and farmer interviews with GIS modeling of farms to assess potential nutrient movements on grazing farms and to document the frequency and extent of conservation practices on organic dairy farms and examine farm-level ramifications on the cost of implementation of these practices. Conduct workshops and symposia to develop a synthesis of the scientific literature related to the effects of conservation practices on pastureland. CEAP OVERALL APPROACH: This objective will be achieved by improving inventorying and monitoring techniques and conducting field measurement sof the impacts of brush control, prescribe burning, vegetative seeding, grazing systems, and other conservation practices on soil and water quality including the movement of nutrients and particulate matter and significant changes in biodiversity.