msu-ceco/aec_v1 · Datasets at Hugging Face

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These structures typically consist of a series of closely placed posts and cattle panels that hold large rocks in place.
They are built on small or minor
waterways that have steep channel gradients.
See University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension publication Building a Grade Stabilization Structure for more information.
Runoff Collection, Treatment, and Application
Water contaminated by manure and other wastes at the production facility must be appropriately managed.
The extent of collection and treatment will depend on the facility's size.
In a small-scale operation, settling channels or basins may be enough.
For larger operations, it may be necessary to install and manage holding ponds and/or lagoons, which should be managed based on Natural Resources Conservation Service Standard Practice Code 590 Standard.
Wastewater should be tested for nutrient concentrations and land-applied as irrigation water to crops or forages based on soil test results, crop or forage nutrient requirements, and a realistic yield goal.
The producer will need to develop and implement a Nutrient Management Plan or a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan.
The application of these wastes should be accomplished without edge-of-field losses.
The best way to prevent these losses is to adhere to manure setback criteria and install Riparian buffer size should be
based on the distance between the water body and the next adjacent land use.
The more area available for a forested riparian buffer, the better, but even a buffer of 20 feet can provide some streambank protection.
Forvegetative buffers between fields and sensitive areas like streams, sinkholes, and wetlands.
Bioengineering solutions use vegetation to prevent water pollution.
Vegetation used typically consists of native grasses, shrubs, and trees.
The combination of different root sizes and depths holds soil in place and slows water flows, while also using and treating water.
Vegetative buffers can provide numerous benefits, including contaminant filtration, field separation, and soil stabilization.
Though the ecological goal of vegetative buffers is usually the same, their name and site-specific purpose may change according to their position on the landscape.
The three main types of conservation buffers used in livestock operations are filter strips, grassed waterways, and riparian buffers.
Filter strips are designed for sheet flow, grassed waterways for intermittent flow, and riparian buffers for ephemeral and perennial flow.
Figure 5.
Clogged driveway grate that allows a discharge from the production area.
Figure 6.
Functioning grate that forces polluted water to the proper waste storage facility.
Filter strips are areas of grass or other permanent vegetation that are maintained to reduce sediment, organic material, nutrients, pesticides, and other runoff contaminants in order to enhance water quality.
Filter strips slow the velocity of water, allowing the settling out of suspended soil particles and increased infiltration.
In most cases, filter strip efficiency is reliant upon flow length or filter width.
For more information about filter strips, see University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Publication Vegetative Filter Strips for Livestock Facilities.
Grassed waterways are natural or constructed channels shaped to required dimensions and established in suitable vegetation.
While their main purpose is to transport runoff SO that erosion and flooding don't occur, proper planning and careful design can enhance these buffers SO that they also filter and divert runoff.
Grassed waterways must be constructed properly in order to de-
crease the runoff's velocity.
In order to maximize the benefit of these waterways, a more hands-off approach than farm crews typically use is required.
No-mow zones should be established, and their width should be based on the amount and the speed of the runoff received by the grassed waterway.
Encouraging vegetation growth will prevent rutting of channels and encourage filtration of sediments and plant uptake of nutrients.
Riparian forest buffers consist of trees, shrubs, and grasses next to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
Riparian forest buffers perform many functions, including stream bank stabilization, shade, temperature moderation, and pollution filtration.
Riparian buffer size should be based on the distance between the water body and the next adjacent land use.
The more area available for a forested riparian buffer, the better, but even a buffer of 20 feet can provide some streambank protection.
For more information see the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension publications Riparian Buffers: A Livestock Best Management Practice for
Protecting Water Quality and Planting a Riparian Buffer.
Several facilities management practices can reduce the potential for off-site movement of pollutants from a livestock production area.
The appropriate practice depends on the type of operation, equipment available, management skills, and amount of labor and capital available.
Management practices that control water pollution include:
Installing a curb to contain liquid effluent
Installing grates with large openings in driveways
Cleaning the manure from exposed surfaces at regular intervals appropriate to the amount of accumulation of manure
Locating storage and feeding areasaway from environmentally sensitive areas such as streams, sinkholes, and depression basins
Installing heavy-use pads around feeding areas to reduce soil erosion
Reducing the stocking to decrease the amount of manure produced
Relocating the facility if natural drainage flows through the production area
Converting open or partially open confinement facilities to closed facilities
Cleaning manured or otherwise contaminated areas before rainfall events to reduce pollution of stormwater runoff
Storing scraped manure in a covered stack pad area
For more information on some of these practices, see the following University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension publications:
Using Dry Lots to Conserve Pastures and Reduce Pollution Potential ,
Using Soil-Cement on Horse and Livestock Farms ,
High Traffic Area Pads for Horses , and
Using Geotextiles for Feeding and Traffic Surfaces.
When it comes to the environment, producers need to consider not only whether the facilities can handle an operation of a certain size, but also whether the land can handle the pressures inherent in that operation's size.
For example, a producer should not only use the capacity of a barn to determine the size of an operation, but should also determine if their land area can support land applications of manure from the animals contained in that barn.
A producers considering building a new facility should also consider if the site's available drainage and soils can support a commercial building.
As a livestock producer, compliance with water quality regulations is not only encouraged, it is required by law.
Select BMPs carefully, because most of them are site specific.
In most cases, multiple BMPs will be needed to achieve regulatory compliance.
In some cases, there could be costshare assistance available to implement BMPs.
Check with your local conservation district about design criteria and cost-share availability.
The following Natural Resources and Conservation Service practice codes are examples of practices that might be appropriate and eligible for funding under state or Environmental Quality Incentives Program cost share:
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
Constructed Wetland
Filter Strip
Grade Stabilization Structure
Grassed Waterway
Heavy Use Area Protection
Lined Waterway or Outlet
Nutrient Management
Roof Runoff Structure
Sediment Basin
Structure for Water Control
Waste Storage Facility
Water and Sediment Control Basin
More research is needed to conclude whether thermal sensing alone is sufficient to manage irrigation.
Additionally, more research needs to be conducted in different regions and climates to ensure these systems are optimized for different field and weather conditions.
Development of weather-, locationand crop-specific thresholds would make the system more adaptable to new locations.
How to Interpret a Water Analysis Report
This article outlines some of the major parameters you may see on the analysis and assists you in understanding the numbers on a water test report.
Whether your water causes illness, stains on plumbing, scaly deposits, or a bad taste, a water analysis identifies the problem and enables you to make knowledgeable decisions about water treatment.
Features of a Sample Report
Once the lab has completed testing your water, you will receive a report that looks similar to Figure 1.
It will contain a list of contaminants tested, the concentrations, and, in some cases, highlight any problem contaminants.
An important feature of the report is the units used to measure the contaminant level in your water.
Milligrams per liter of water are used for substances like metals and nitrates.
A milligram per liter is also equal to one part per million --that is one part contaminant to one million parts water.
About 0.03 of a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in a bathtub of water is an approximation of one ppm.
For extremely toxic substances like pesticides, the units used are even smaller.
In these cases, parts per billion are used.
Another unit found on some test reports is that used to measure radon--picocuries per liter.

These structures typically consist of a series of closely placed posts and cattle panels that hold large rocks in place.

They are built on small or minor

waterways that have steep channel gradients.

See University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension publication Building a Grade Stabilization Structure for more information.

Runoff Collection, Treatment, and Application

Water contaminated by manure and other wastes at the production facility must be appropriately managed.

The extent of collection and treatment will depend on the facility's size.

In a small-scale operation, settling channels or basins may be enough.

For larger operations, it may be necessary to install and manage holding ponds and/or lagoons, which should be managed based on Natural Resources Conservation Service Standard Practice Code 590 Standard.

Wastewater should be tested for nutrient concentrations and land-applied as irrigation water to crops or forages based on soil test results, crop or forage nutrient requirements, and a realistic yield goal.

The producer will need to develop and implement a Nutrient Management Plan or a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan.

The application of these wastes should be accomplished without edge-of-field losses.

The best way to prevent these losses is to adhere to manure setback criteria and install Riparian buffer size should be

based on the distance between the water body and the next adjacent land use.

The more area available for a forested riparian buffer, the better, but even a buffer of 20 feet can provide some streambank protection.

Forvegetative buffers between fields and sensitive areas like streams, sinkholes, and wetlands.

Bioengineering solutions use vegetation to prevent water pollution.

Vegetation used typically consists of native grasses, shrubs, and trees.

The combination of different root sizes and depths holds soil in place and slows water flows, while also using and treating water.

Vegetative buffers can provide numerous benefits, including contaminant filtration, field separation, and soil stabilization.

Though the ecological goal of vegetative buffers is usually the same, their name and site-specific purpose may change according to their position on the landscape.

The three main types of conservation buffers used in livestock operations are filter strips, grassed waterways, and riparian buffers.

Filter strips are designed for sheet flow, grassed waterways for intermittent flow, and riparian buffers for ephemeral and perennial flow.

Figure 5.

Clogged driveway grate that allows a discharge from the production area.

Figure 6.

Functioning grate that forces polluted water to the proper waste storage facility.

Filter strips are areas of grass or other permanent vegetation that are maintained to reduce sediment, organic material, nutrients, pesticides, and other runoff contaminants in order to enhance water quality.

Filter strips slow the velocity of water, allowing the settling out of suspended soil particles and increased infiltration.

In most cases, filter strip efficiency is reliant upon flow length or filter width.

For more information about filter strips, see University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Publication Vegetative Filter Strips for Livestock Facilities.

Grassed waterways are natural or constructed channels shaped to required dimensions and established in suitable vegetation.

While their main purpose is to transport runoff SO that erosion and flooding don't occur, proper planning and careful design can enhance these buffers SO that they also filter and divert runoff.

Grassed waterways must be constructed properly in order to de-

crease the runoff's velocity.

In order to maximize the benefit of these waterways, a more hands-off approach than farm crews typically use is required.

No-mow zones should be established, and their width should be based on the amount and the speed of the runoff received by the grassed waterway.

Encouraging vegetation growth will prevent rutting of channels and encourage filtration of sediments and plant uptake of nutrients.

Riparian forest buffers consist of trees, shrubs, and grasses next to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

Riparian forest buffers perform many functions, including stream bank stabilization, shade, temperature moderation, and pollution filtration.

Riparian buffer size should be based on the distance between the water body and the next adjacent land use.

The more area available for a forested riparian buffer, the better, but even a buffer of 20 feet can provide some streambank protection.

For more information see the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension publications Riparian Buffers: A Livestock Best Management Practice for

Protecting Water Quality and Planting a Riparian Buffer.

Several facilities management practices can reduce the potential for off-site movement of pollutants from a livestock production area.

The appropriate practice depends on the type of operation, equipment available, management skills, and amount of labor and capital available.

Management practices that control water pollution include:

Installing a curb to contain liquid effluent

Installing grates with large openings in driveways

Cleaning the manure from exposed surfaces at regular intervals appropriate to the amount of accumulation of manure

Locating storage and feeding areasaway from environmentally sensitive areas such as streams, sinkholes, and depression basins

Installing heavy-use pads around feeding areas to reduce soil erosion

Reducing the stocking to decrease the amount of manure produced

Relocating the facility if natural drainage flows through the production area

Converting open or partially open confinement facilities to closed facilities

Cleaning manured or otherwise contaminated areas before rainfall events to reduce pollution of stormwater runoff

Storing scraped manure in a covered stack pad area

For more information on some of these practices, see the following University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension publications:

Using Dry Lots to Conserve Pastures and Reduce Pollution Potential ,

Using Soil-Cement on Horse and Livestock Farms ,

High Traffic Area Pads for Horses , and

Using Geotextiles for Feeding and Traffic Surfaces.

When it comes to the environment, producers need to consider not only whether the facilities can handle an operation of a certain size, but also whether the land can handle the pressures inherent in that operation's size.

For example, a producer should not only use the capacity of a barn to determine the size of an operation, but should also determine if their land area can support land applications of manure from the animals contained in that barn.

A producers considering building a new facility should also consider if the site's available drainage and soils can support a commercial building.

As a livestock producer, compliance with water quality regulations is not only encouraged, it is required by law.

Select BMPs carefully, because most of them are site specific.

In most cases, multiple BMPs will be needed to achieve regulatory compliance.

In some cases, there could be costshare assistance available to implement BMPs.

Check with your local conservation district about design criteria and cost-share availability.

The following Natural Resources and Conservation Service practice codes are examples of practices that might be appropriate and eligible for funding under state or Environmental Quality Incentives Program cost share:

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan

Constructed Wetland

Filter Strip

Grade Stabilization Structure

Grassed Waterway

Heavy Use Area Protection

Lined Waterway or Outlet

Nutrient Management

Roof Runoff Structure

Sediment Basin

Structure for Water Control

Waste Storage Facility

Water and Sediment Control Basin

More research is needed to conclude whether thermal sensing alone is sufficient to manage irrigation.

Additionally, more research needs to be conducted in different regions and climates to ensure these systems are optimized for different field and weather conditions.

Development of weather-, locationand crop-specific thresholds would make the system more adaptable to new locations.

How to Interpret a Water Analysis Report

This article outlines some of the major parameters you may see on the analysis and assists you in understanding the numbers on a water test report.

Whether your water causes illness, stains on plumbing, scaly deposits, or a bad taste, a water analysis identifies the problem and enables you to make knowledgeable decisions about water treatment.

Features of a Sample Report

Once the lab has completed testing your water, you will receive a report that looks similar to Figure 1.

It will contain a list of contaminants tested, the concentrations, and, in some cases, highlight any problem contaminants.

An important feature of the report is the units used to measure the contaminant level in your water.

Milligrams per liter of water are used for substances like metals and nitrates.

A milligram per liter is also equal to one part per million --that is one part contaminant to one million parts water.

About 0.03 of a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in a bathtub of water is an approximation of one ppm.

For extremely toxic substances like pesticides, the units used are even smaller.

In these cases, parts per billion are used.

Another unit found on some test reports is that used to measure radon--picocuries per liter.