Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1985

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

Charles C. Carlson

Abstract

Increased fertilizer and pesticide usage and their effects on our lakes and streams are two of the intense farming practices that the public is becoming increasingly concerned about. When the nutrient and mineral concentrations of our lakes and streams become extreme the water may become unsuitable for human consumption and undesirable for recreational use. It is possible that the nutrient loading of lakes and streams is due to an increase of fertilizer applications. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the main elements considered. Some of the increased nutrient concentration in our lakes and streams is agriculturally related. Which practices conducted by farmers contribute the largest concentrations and which practices will reduce nutrient and sediment transport? To predict the effect of different management practices, a number of models have been built to simulate a runoff event. Runoff events are complex to model because there are a large number of factors to consider. Some of these factors are soil type, storm intensity, slope, tillage practices, and ground cover. A model can help determine the effect of a management practice before it is implemented and therefore help to make a beneficial management decision. The objectives of this study were: (1) To determine the historical tillage, historical fertilization, historical crops planted, and historical livestock populations in the Oakwood Lakes - Poinsett Project Area. Use the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution. Model to determine the effect of historical cropping practices on the transport of sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus within a 3675 hectare watershed in the Oakwood Lakes-Poinsett Project Area.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Soil management -- South Dakota
Runoff -- South Dakota
Cropping systems -- South Dakota

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

87

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - United State
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

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