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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #113234
Title: ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF VEGETABLE PRODUCTION

Author
item Rice, Pamela
item McConnell, Laura
item Heighton Davies, Lynne
item ISENSEE, ALLAN - RETIRED USDA SY
item Sadeghi, Ali
item HERTZER, PAUL - UNIV MD
item BAKER, JOEL - UNIV MD
item Hapeman, Cathleen

Submitted to: SETAC Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Runoff from vegetable production on the Chesapeake Bay Delmarva peninsula has been implicated in the failure of shellfish farms. Current vegetable production systems utilize polyethylene mulch and require multiple applications of pesticides and fertilizers. During rain events, runoff from vegetable production is enhanced because 50-75% of the field is covered with an impervious surface. Thus, potential harmful effects on organisms in nearby streams and rivers from off-site losses of agrochemicals is substantially increased. An economically-viable sustainable management strategy for fresh-market tomato production that does not utilize polyethylene has been developed. However, resistance from growers to move away from polyethylene may slow its implementation. The objective of our research was to quantify and compare the environmental impact of conventional polyethylene mulch and hairy vetch mulch systems. In studies using side-by-side instrumented field plots, losses of 2 to 10 times more water and twice as much sediment were observed from plots using polyethylene mulch. Toxicity tests with aquatic organisms have shown greater adverse effects associated with this runoff. These quantitative results showing reduced off-site movement of soil and agrochemicals in the hairy vetch system provide additional support for the implementation of this management strategy. Benefits to the grower include reduced soil erosion and greater concentrations of agrochemicals remaining in the applied locations were they will provide the most effective pest control. The reduced off-site movement of agrochemicals will also benefit the environment by reducing the load of harmful substances to surrounding sensitive ecosystems.