Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2005

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Geography

Abstract

This research compared differences in historical land use in three neighboring watersheds. Each watershed's corresponding water body is classified hypereutrophic. The study area's geomorphology is representative of Eastern South Dakota while land uses are consistent with the Western Com Beh Plains. Main sources of pollution include phosphorus from cropland, livestock, shoreline residences, and urban areas. The primary land use in 1940 and 2003 was agriculture, but crop and pasture ratios differed between the watersheds both years. Cropland and cattle were most highly associated with increased total phosphorus levels in the lakes. The watershed and corresponding lake with the poorest water quality contained the largest percentage of cropland in both 1940 and 2003. In addition, the same watershed experienced the largest contributions of phosphorus from cattle manure between 1890 and J 9n. The majority of land use change between 1940 and 2003 took place in the second watershed where lake phosphorus levels were lower. The most prevalent increase in urban area and the most significant decrease in cropland also occurred in the second watershed. Livestock densities and urban land percentages were lowest in 1940 and 2003 in the third and least polluted watershed.

Keywords: land use, water quality, nonpoint source pollution, phosphorus

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Land use -- South Dakota -- Lake County

Water -- Phosphorus content -- South Dakota -- Lake County

Watersheds -- South Dakota -- Lake County

Water quality -- South Dakota -- Lake County

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

105

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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