Author
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Boyer, Douglas |
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Submitted to: Annual Water Resources Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: Boyer, D.G. 1999. Grazing influences on major ion concentrations of groundwater in the karst of central appalachia. Annual Water Resources Conference. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The impact on water quality by agricultural activity in karst terrain is an important consideration for resource management within the Appalachian Region. Karst areas comprise about 18 percent of the Region's land area. An estimated one-third of the Region's farms, cattle, and agricultural market value are on karst terrain. Major ion (Cl, NO3-N, PO4-P, SO4-S, Na, ,NH3-N, K, Mg, and Ca) concentrations were measured in cave streams drainin two primary land management areas and springs draining four karst watersheds. The primary agricultural enterprise is raising of grass-fed beef. Ion concentrations were highest in cave streams draining areas where cattle congregate for shade and water and watersheds with higher percentage of land area in agriculture. However, ion concentrations varied with hydrologic conditions and season. It was concluded that agriculture was significantly affecting ion concentrations in the karst aquifer. Best management practices may be one way to protect the ground water resource. |
