envirothon aquatics bmps

What are BMPS?

practices that aim to protect aquatic resources from degradation by nonpoint source pollution.

silt fences

Temporary sediment barrier

Trap coarse sediment material

Retains soil of disturbed land

3 principles: proper placement, proper amount of fencing, appropriate materials

stream crossings

Minimizes erosion/sedimentation

Reduces risk of damage to streambed/channel

riparian buffers

Vegetated forest buffer adjacent to aquatic area

Prevent erosion/sedimentation

Control and filter runoff

Valuable to wildlife

grassed waterways

Channels lined with vegetation

Reduces gully erosion

Stable, nonerosive outlet for water

Sediment reduction

artificial wetlands

Improves water quality

Pollution removal

slow runoff

aesthetic/wildlife benefits

filter strips

Permanent bands of vegetation that limit entry of sediments, nutrients, pesticides, other contaminants

Wildlife benefits

Usually adjacent/parallel to water bodies

contour buffer strips

Strips of vegetation alternated w/ wider cultivated strips farmed on contour

Works w/ contour farming

Reduces sheet/rill erosion

Filters runoff

Increased infiltration

conservation tillage

After harvesting/tilling, leave matter on the ground for cover

prevents runoff/erosion

Soil not left uncovered

disking

Breaks down large chunks of compacted soil to loosen it

Control and destroys unwanted growth

Forces crop residue into the soil

terracing

Cut land into a bunch of level flat areas resembling stairs

Intercepts and slows runoff

Gives plants more time to absorb moisture

Reduces erosion

-Good for steep slopes

contour farming

Plant along contour lines instead of straight rows up & down hills

Reduces sheet/rill erosion

Captures twice the soil moisture and reduces soil erosion up to eight-fold

Good for gentle slopes

nutrient management

Add up how much fertilizer and nutrients your farm really needs

Only use as much as you need

grazing systems

Consider the timing (season), frequency, and intensity of grazing

4 types of grazing systems

Continuous grazing

Rest-Rotation Grazing

Deferred-Rotation Grazing

Short-Duration/Intensively Managed Grazing

animal waste control

Pick up and store waste from livestock; don't leave it on fields to run off

Animal manure is nutrient-rich (prevent nutrient pollution)

strip cropping

Row of crop alternates with another crop

Traps soil that erodes from the row crop

Catch and reduce water runoff and help prevent the spread of pests and plant diseases

Legumes like soybeans & alfalfa help restore soil fertility

agroforestry/alley cropping

Form of intercropping - planting two types of crops next to each other

Crops planted in strips/alleys between trees or shrubs

Trees/shrubs provide fruit or timber, shade (which helps retain water), & green manure (fresh plant growth)

windbreaks

trees block wind, creating calm, undisturbed area on leeward side of trees

Force air up and over, creating patch without strong winds

Slower wind speed → less wind erosion

crop rotation

Planting different crops sequentially on the same plot of land

When you have an annual crop, plant cover crops in the off season

Soil not left uncovered → reduces erosion

rain gardens

planted depression or hole that gives rainwater from impervious areas the opportunity to infiltrate into the ground

Benefits

Reduces runoff

Replenishes water table

Filters pollutants

Reduce risk of flooding

Reduce landscape maintenance costs

Increase property value

rain garden requirements

at least 1/8 to 1/3 the size of the drainage area to keep its water-level depths between 3-8 inches after a typical 1-inch rainfall