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This project aims to reduce nitrate loading from agricultural non-point sources in the Lake Springfield Watershed. It includes N-rate trials, N-WATCH inventory and tracking, water testing for nitrate levels, and establishment of cover crops.
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Lake Springfield Watershed Nutrient Management Project February 11, 2015
Funding Partners • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation • City of Springfield’s City Water, Light and Power
Sangamon County Soil & Water Conservation District Project Partners
Project Goals • Achieve a sustained reduction in nitrate loading from agricultural non-point sources • Help understand the trends in nitrate levels within the Lake Springfield Watershed
Project Overview • Minimize environmental impact, Optimize harvest yield and maximize nutrient utilization • Utilize the 4Rs - Right source, Right rate, Right time and Right place • N-Rate Trials • N-WATCH – Inventory and Track Plant-Available N • Water testing for nitrate levels • Establishment of cover crops as a nutrient and soil management tool
Year One Outcomes • 27 producers are participating • 12 farmers, 12 N-WATCH sites and 504 acres cover crops • 6 farmers - Nitrogen Rate and Timing Studies. • 9 farmers – Additional N-WATCH sites • Twice weekly monitoring of 23 stream sites for nitrate nitrogen.
Grab Sample Sites Cover Crop Sites N Rate Studies
Future Goals • Increase the number of participants • Establish N-WATCH Sentinel Sites within watershed with aggregated results posted online at www.illinoiscbmp.org • Increase the number of cover crop acres by 500
Future Goals • Increase the number of N-Rate Trials • Demonstration farm field days at Lincoln Land Community College • Continue to collaborate on 319 EPA Grant
Why Get Involved? 4% Urban 48% Point Source 48% Agricultural 2% Urban 16% Point Source 82% Agricultural 2% Urban 18% Point Source 80% Agricultural
Illinois Council on Best Management Practices • Coalition of agricultural organizations and agribusinesses: • Illinois Farm Bureau • Illinois Corn Growers Association • Illinois Soybean Association • Illinois Pork Producers Association • Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association • Syngenta • GROWMARK • Monsanto
Illinois Council on Best Management Practices • Our Mission • To assist and encourage adoption of BMPs to protect and enhance natural resources and the sustainability of agriculture in Illinois
CBMP’s Goals • Information • Awareness • Participation • Demonstration • Collaboration
Why get involved? • Find out what is happening on your farm • Farmer incentives are available for many aspects of this project • Ask questions and be part of the discussion • Lots of tools in the tool box • Progress has to start being made across Illinois!
Jennifer TireyIllinois Council on Best Management Practices • jtirey@illinoiscbmp.org • (217) 971-3842