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AN EXTENSION EFFORT IN ADOPTION OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AGRICULTURE FOR WATER QUALITY RESTORATION IN SUWANNEE VALLEY REGION TO ACHIEVE TARGETS OF FLORIDA BASIN MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN

Agricultural Issues

Shivendra Kumar
Live Oak

Abstract

Florida’s basin management action plan (BMAP) is a framework for water quality restoration by reducing pollutant loading in water bodies. In the Suwannee Valley region, which has a concentration of 62 first- and second-magnitude springs and 113 lesser magnitude springs, farm fertilizer is a major contributor (~68%) of nitrogen load and requires efficient management. The aim of our Extension work is to reduce agricultural nitrogen load by 5.8 million pounds per year by 2035 in the Suwannee Valley region through adoption of best management practices (BMPs). Three major nitrogen intensive crops in the Suwannee Valley region are Hay (~80,000 acre), corn (~50,000 acre), and vegetables (~20,000 acre). Extension agents are engaging with the farmers through various on-farm trials to demonstrate efficient ways of nutrient management. 4Rs of nutrient management which includes right place/rate/source/time along with proper irrigation management has been demonstrated through trials. Use of controlled release fertilizer (CRF) is being promoted to prevent nitrogen leaching. We also promote the use of cover crops to scavenge leftover nitrogen and for better soil health. The 4Rs trial on corn using Y drop method has covered 12 farms (~900 acre) in the last 4 years. A 15% reduction in nitrogen application (40 pounds) through Y drop showed no statistical yield difference. If adopted on 50000 acres of corn, it can lead to a nitrogen load reduction of 2 million pounds and savings of ~$1 million. On-farm demonstration of CRF in watermelons involved 12 farms in the last 4 years showing its benefit and adoption. Hundred watermelon farms are tested every week for nitrogen and potassium level using sap-petiole meter for in-season nutrient application saving million pounds of nitrogen. Fifteen farms in the region are cooperating with large scale cover crop trials and adoption. The information about BMPs in different crops is disseminated to growers through on-farm trials, field days, beginning and end of the season crop update meetings, factsheets, weekly updates, and other Extension events. The program serves as a model that could be replicated across the country for effective crop nutrient management and reducing nitrogen load in water bodies.

 

Authors: Shivendra Kumar, Robert Hochmuth (Bob), Kevin Athearn, Jay Capasso, E. Beach, K. Wynn, M. Warren, T. Pittman, T. Sanchez, D. Fenneman, L. Harlow, J. DeValerio
  1. Shivendra Kumar Regional Specialized Agent- Agronomic Crops , University of Florida, Florida, 32060
  2. Robert Hochmuth (Bob) Regional Specialized Agent, Vegetables, University of Florida, Florida, 32060
  3. Kevin Athearn Regional Specialized Agent, Agribusiness, University of Florida, Florida, 32060
  4. Jay Capasso Regional Specialized Agent, Water Resources, University of Florida, Florida, 32060
  5. E. Beach Extension Agent, University of Florioda, Florida, 32066
  6. K. Wynn Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32052
  7. M. Warren Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32621
  8. T. Pittman Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32693
  9. T. Sanchez Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32669
  10. D. Fenneman Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32340
  11. L. Harlow Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32091
  12. J. DeValerio Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32054