ARS | Publication request: Targeting of Watershed Management Practices for Water Quality Protection

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: June 25, 2008
Publication Date: August 15, 2008
Citation: Wortmann, C.S., Helmers, M., Gelder, B., Wright-Morton, L., Devlin, D., Barden, C., Anderson, S., Broz, R., Franti, T., Regassa, T., Shea, P., Tomer, M.D., Frees, L., Griffith, D., Frizzell, D. 2008. Targeting of Watershed Management Practices for Water Quality Protection. Extension Publications. Heartland Regional Water Coordination Initiative, Lincoln, NE. p.3-23.

Technical Abstract: Ensuring a clean and adequate water supply implies conservative use of water and protecting water resources from pollution. Sediment, nutrient, and pesticide losses in runoff are major pollutants of surface waters in the Midwest. This publication addresses the targeting of best management practices (BMPs) in watersheds or landscapes to maximize the impact of investments in water quality protection. The publication is intended as a resource for those who advise on or practice land and water management. The authors recognize the ecological and social diversity of watersheds and land managers, and that most agricultural pollutants often come from small parts of watersheds as a result of landscape sensitivity coupled with management inappropriate for water quality protection. Targeting BMPs to the important source or mitigation areas is likely to have the most cost-effective impact on water quality.