Effect of Agricultural Runoff on Water Quality in the Bass River

Presentation Type

Oral and/or Visual Presentation

Presenter Major(s)

Natural Resource Management

Mentor Information

C. Griffin

Department

Biology

Location

Kirkhof Center 1142

Start Date

10-4-2013 12:00 AM

End Date

10-4-2013 12:00 AM

Keywords

Environment

Abstract

This research will examine the impact of different agricultural land uses on water quality in the Bass River, Ottawa County, Michigan. Agricultural land surrounding the Bass River is used to grow both nursery stock and corn. This study will determine whether differences in water quality exist between areas receiving runoff from nurseries compared to areas receiving runoff from corn fields. To determine water quality, macroinvertebrates, which differ in their sensitivity to water pollution, will be sampled and conductivity will be measured at a site adjacent to nurseries, a site near corn fields, and a forested control site. Conductivity will provide an estimate of the amount of dissolved ions, including fertilizers or pesticides, within the water. Because nursery stock fields exhibit relatively large areas of bare soil between plant rows, erosion is expected to have a significant impact on water quality compared to areas receiving corn runoff.

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Apr 10th, 12:00 AM Apr 10th, 12:00 AM

Effect of Agricultural Runoff on Water Quality in the Bass River

Kirkhof Center 1142

This research will examine the impact of different agricultural land uses on water quality in the Bass River, Ottawa County, Michigan. Agricultural land surrounding the Bass River is used to grow both nursery stock and corn. This study will determine whether differences in water quality exist between areas receiving runoff from nurseries compared to areas receiving runoff from corn fields. To determine water quality, macroinvertebrates, which differ in their sensitivity to water pollution, will be sampled and conductivity will be measured at a site adjacent to nurseries, a site near corn fields, and a forested control site. Conductivity will provide an estimate of the amount of dissolved ions, including fertilizers or pesticides, within the water. Because nursery stock fields exhibit relatively large areas of bare soil between plant rows, erosion is expected to have a significant impact on water quality compared to areas receiving corn runoff.