PA Environment Digest

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Penn State Extension: Changing Practices From The Farm To The Chesapeake Bay

Penn State Extension is bringing together farmers like Jim Harbach, industry, and government agencies to come up with science-based solutions for reducing pollutants in the area’s watersheds impacting the Chesapeake Bay.

Penn State's Agriculture and Environment Center -- joined by faculty and staff from across the University, including the Environment and Natural Resources Institute -- is leading the crusade to reduce pollutant loads in watersheds by bringing farmers, agricultural industry groups, landowners, government agencies, and environmental and nonprofit organizations together to explore science-based solutions.

That might seem like a Herculean task considering that Pennsylvania has 83,000 miles of rivers and streams; more than 4,000 lakes, reservoirs and ponds; thousands of acres of wetlands and floodplains; and a complex network of underground aquifers.

"Pennsylvania is blessed with an abundance of water -- almost every resident lives near a river or stream," said Matt Royer, director of Penn State’s Agriculture and Environment Center. "Ensuring that those waters are clean is crucial for health, quality of life, recreation and the economy. We all play a role, whether you own a 1,000-acre farm or a tiny lot in town."

Equally important is the Chesapeake Bay -- the largest estuary in the United States. Pennsylvania plays a big part in the restoration of this crucial resource -- about half of the state drains to the bay, and the Susquehanna River is its largest tributary, providing about 50 percent of its fresh water.

Significant sources of pollution are excess nutrients and sediment runoff from urban landscapes and agricultural operations, explains Royer, who is also an environmental attorney and founder of the Tri-County Conewago Creek Association, a group dedicated to restoring the 53-mile Conewago Creek in Dauphin, Lebanon and Lancaster counties.

Excess nutrients encourage the growth of algae that robs water of oxygen, making it unlivable for aquatic life. Sediment coats streambeds, smothering the vegetation and insects fish need for habitat and food.

Agricultural activities and stormwater runoff have contributed to the Chesapeake Bay's dead zones, areas where no life exists. An estimated 34,000 Pennsylvania farms are located in the bay's watershed. Farmers must do their part to prevent runoff from entering water sources.

Agriculture is one of the state's largest industries -- feeding millions and employing tens of thousands -- and Royer said it is Penn State's responsibility as Pennsylvania's land-grant institution to aid these farmers.

"Many farmers are willing to invest their own dollars, but some can't shoulder the cost," he said. "They need financial, technical and educational resources. We want to help them so they can provide our food supply, be profitable and be good stewards of land and water."

That explains why farmers have an interest in the Chesapeake Bay, but why should the average citizen care? As Royer points out, not only is the bay home to an abundance of fish and wildlife, but it's also vital to the country's economy and well-being, providing jobs, recreation and food for millions, including Pennsylvanians.

With so much at stake, researchers and Penn State Extension specialists have made significant strides in water quality through cutting-edge research and education.

For example, researchers are investigating subsurface manure injection technology designed to keep nutrients in the soil, where crops can use them. They also have evaluated no-till cropping systems for their ability to reduce erosion and keep nutrients on the land.

Scientists also are studying "precision livestock feeding," which can reduce the amount of excess phosphorus and nitrogen in manure while maintaining animal health and productivity, and are examining the role of riparian buffers -- zones of vegetation adjacent to streams -- that reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients and other pollutants entering waterways.

Another Penn State innovation is the interseeder, a piece of agricultural machinery that makes it easier for farmers to plant cover crops. Research has shown that cover crops can significantly reduce erosion and take up excess nutrients, thereby reducing the amount of agricultural pollution infiltrating water.

These initiatives are paying off, according to Royer. He referenced a Penn State-led survey of farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed that measured their use of soil conversation and water quality practices.

Nearly 7,000 producers responded to the survey, which showed that farmers funded and installed 1.3 million feet of fencing along streambanks, installed 2,000 manure storage units, and planted 6,000 acres of forest buffers.

Supplementing those efforts, volunteers from Penn State have planted 25,000 trees and shrubs along rivers and streams in the past six years.

More good news -- long-term monitoring of Pennsylvania's rivers and streams show nutrient pollution is decreasing, and recent report cards for the Bay show improving conditions, Royer noted.

"It's extremely rewarding to know we are making a difference in our local communities, our state and our world," he said. "And we won't stop because there is nothing more important to life than safe, clean water."

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events and education opportunities, visit the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center website. Questions should be directed to Matt Royer Director, 814-863-8756 or send email to: mroyer@psu.edu.

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