Author
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Boyer, Douglas |
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Submitted to: American Water Resources Association Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/1994 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The impact on water quality by agricultural activity in karst terrain is an important consideration for resource management worldwide. Twelve to 20 percent of the earth's land surface is karst land. Karst areas, characterized by sinkholes and cave systems, comprise about 18 percent of the Appalachian Region's land area. An estimated one-third of the Region's sfarms, cattle, and agricultural market value are located on karst terrain. Nitrate and fecal bacteria concentrations were measured in several karst springs and cave streams in Southeastern West Virginia in order to determine the impact of agriculture on the karst groundwater quality. As the percent land area in agricultural land increased, nitrate concentrations and fecal bacteria counts also increased. It was concluded that agriculture was significantly affecting water quality in the karst aquifer, and strict best management practice adherence may be necessary in order to protect the groundwater resource. Technical Abstract: The impact on water quality by agricultural activity in karst terrain is an important consideration for resource management. Twelve to 20 percent of the earth's land surface is karst land. The most dominant surface expression of karst regions is the sinkhole, or doline, which usually is a funnel-shaped depression. As closed catchment areas, sinkholes funnel surface flow and pollutants to the groundwater aquifer. The ability of karst areas to rapidly transport contaminants into and through karst aquifers makes the potential for groundwater pollution a critical concern. Significantly, much of the agriculturally productive land in the United States is situated on karst land. Large portions of the corn belt in the upper Midwest are karst. The Edwards Plateau in Texas is a significant karst area. Much of the poultry production in Arkansas and Missouri occur on karst. Florida's freshwater aquifers are largely karst aquifers. Karst areas make up about 18 percent of the Appalachian Region's land area. An estimated one-third of the Region's farms, cattle, and agricultural market value are located on karst terrain. Agricultural food production on karst lands have been shown to significantly affect water quality in karst aquifers, springs, and receiving surface waters. |
