Location: Great Basin Rangelands Research
Project Number: 2060-13610-003-008-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2015
End Date: Aug 30, 2020
Objective:
Research on the topic of dissolved-solids (salts) loading to streams from rangelands is needed for identifying rangeland management practices that could reduce salt yields in the western United States. Specifically, there is a need to improve Ecological Sites Descriptions to better understand and predict sources and transport mechanisms of dissolved solids from federal rangelands as a function of State and Transition models used to guide management of federal rangelands. The ARS-BLM-University team will select Ecological Sites based on potential salinity contribution and quantify actual water quality in streams associated with Ecological Sites under investigation to assist in validating the Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model.
Amendment #2 to Objective, modifies the Objective by adding the following: The goal of this IAA is to develop the necessary documentation, analyses, and required registration information so that the USDA-Agricultural Research Service can register the novel bio-pesticide cheatgrass-suppressive bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ACK55 (P.f.ACK55)for large-scale field use. The purpose of this IAA is to fund the tasks neeced to produce the petition to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); obtain the EPA required tests and toxicology analyses of the active ingredient of the bio-pesticide - the bacterium; and non.
Approach:
In stream water quality samples will be taken across the Upper Colorado River Basin to establish a baseline of water quality (TDS) in upland rangeland streams that drain into the Colorado River. Sites will be selected in coordination with BLM to document dominant Ecological Sites in the region and existing water quality. Samples will be sent to Colorado State University for a full spectrum analysis of water quality. Data will be used to estimate changes in water quality as a function of climate and changes in State of the Ecological Site as a function of management actions.
Amendment #2 to Approach, modifies the Approach by adding the following: This IAA funds the transfer of $150,000 to ARS in a new obligational authority for work to be performed from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020 specifically for bio-pesticide registration requirements. This agreement allows ARS to prepare samples and documentation for the analyses; obtain subcontracts for toxicology testing; and provide for compiling of data and registration costs for a natural bioherbicide through the EPA. Cost estimates for each of the tasks are listed in the budget.
