Low-input agriculture reduces nonpoint-source pollution

Excerpt

DESPITE progress, agriculture continues to impose stress on the environment. Much of agriculture's emphasis in the past focused on increasing out-put, such as yield. Now, emphasis needs to be put on what Odum terms “input management” (2). The way to reduce nonpoint-source pollution, he suggests, is to manage inputs more efficiently-not just for agricultural systems, but for all production systems. Reduced-tillage cropping systems and improved pesticide and nutrient management are examples of low-input practices that reduce unwanted outputs. State nonpoint-source management programs are a primary vehicle for promoting the use of low-input agricultural approaches.

Consequences of high inputs

Groundwater pollution is emerging as a central issue. At present, the extent of pesticide contamination of groundwater cannot be determined (3). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a national pesticide survey underway. It is the first nationwide investigation of pesticide contamination of drinking water wells. This survey involves sampling of both domestic and community wells for more than 70 pesticides and for nitrates. The survey should produce the first nationally consistent data to support EPA decision-making. The final survey report is due in the fall of 1990. …