Agriculture and Karst in Kentucky

Authors: KAMBESIS, PAT - Western Kentucky University; GROVES, CHRIS - Western Kentucky University; BAKER, PRISCILLA - Western Kentucky University; BLEDSOE, LEE ANNE - Western Kentucky University; KREITZER, LAURA - Western Kentucky University; TRACY, MARK - Western Kentucky University; SMITH, DALENE - Western Kentucky University; Bolster, Carl

Submitted to: Agriculture and Karst in Kentucky
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/6/2009
Publication Date: 6/25/2009
Citation: Kambesis, P., Groves, C., Baker, P., Bledsoe, L., Kreitzer, L., Tracy, M., Smith, D., Bolster, C.H. 2009. Agriculture and Karst in Kentucky. Agriculture and Karst in Kentucky. Booklet/Informational Pamplet

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This publication describes the unique hydrologic and environmental issues found in karst environments. The publication describes karst landscapes, the importance of karst, different types of karst features, and how water moves through karst landscapes. The publication includes details on methods for studying karst landscapes such as the use of dye traces for estimating flow paths and times. Also included are explanations of potential sources of groundwater and surface water contamination in karst landscapes with a special emphasis on agricultural activities. Included in this publication are brief descriptions of ongoing field studies by USDA-ARS and Western Kentucky University looking at the effects of agricultural activities on groundwater quality in karst basins and how those effects can be minimized. This publication was provided to all who attended the USDA/WKU field day held at the Crumps Cave Education and Research Preserve on March 27, 2009. The publication has also been used in other outreach activities by Western Kentucky University.