Shell Creek Watershed Survey: Water Quality Perceptions and Land Management Practices
Applied Research
Katie Pekarek
Extension Educator-Water Quality
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Lincoln
Abstract
Concerns about flooding, soil erosion and poor water quality in agricultural production led to the 1999 formation of the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group (SCWIG), a group of farmers who identify and promote conservation practices in the Shell Creek watershed. The objective of this project was to assess Shell Creek watershed producers’ perceptions about water quality, gauge the acceptance of practices, and identify practices producers are most likely to adopt.
A survey was developed for and sent to all producers farming land in the Shell Creek watershed. The survey was sent to 886 addresses. 194 responded (22%). Overall, 17.7% of survey respondents (n = 194) are very concerned about water quality affecting their farm management. When asked about how concerned they are about specific contaminants affecting water quality, the number of respondents “very concerned” increased to 26% for E. Coli and 26% for Atrazine in Shell Creek, and 30.4% for Nitrate in groundwater.
The conservation practice row crop producers were most likely to try was cover crops, with 21% “Very Likely” to try. Livestock producers were “Very Likely” to try a Manure Management System (16.5%, n=133) and Prescribed Grazing (14.9%, n=134). While, most row crop producers in the Shell Creek watershed already use one or more conservation practice that improves water quality, additional support for implementation of cover crops is the conservation practice that would likely lead to the conservation practice quickest adoption rate.
Producers are implementing reduced or no-tillage (79.0%, n =158), nutrient management (71.0%, n=155), and conservation crop rotation (66.9%, n=157) at high rates compared to the national average, although most do not consider themselves early adopters (12%, n =175). This may be the result of 20 years of grassroots efforts and peer pressure to use conservation practices in the watershed.
Support for the use of cover crops will likely result in the quickest conservation practice adoption rate for the watershed. Evaluating treatment options for E.Coli at the bottom of the watershed may prove more effective than developing voluntary practices throughout the watershed. Survey results will provide guidance for future local conservation education and incentive-based projects and programs.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Katie Pekarek, Elbert Traylor
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Pekarek, K. Extension Educator-Water Quality, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska, 68583-0996
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Traylor, E. Section 319 Project Manager, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Nebraska, 68583