ABSTRACT:
A best management practice (BMP) tool was developed as a part of an effort to address the phosphorus (P) pollution and associated eutrophication problem affecting the Cannonsville Reservoir, part of the New York City water supply system. P reaching the reservoir is thought to emanate from runoff from the surrounding farms, mainly as a result of manure spread on these farms. Efforts to address the problem have involved implementation of BMPs on the watersheds; however, the effectiveness of these practices is not known. This study establishes a means of estimating BMP effectiveness, based on data available in the literature, and develops a tool that allows users to obtain BMP effectiveness estimates for their respective site soil and slope conditions. The tool offers stand-alone capabilities and has the potential to be linked to a GIS. An example is presented to illustrate tool application for effectiveness-based BMP selection, with a focus on a farm within the New York City watersheds.
Footnotes
Margaret W. Gitau is a post-doctoral research associate at the USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit in University Park, Pennsylvania. William J. Gburek is a hydrologist at the USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit in University Park, Pennsylvania. Albert R. Jarrett is a professor of Agricultural Engineering in the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biological Engineering at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania.
- Copyright 2005 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society
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