The Ag Water Quality Program can help you identify runoff and contaminant potential from your property and recommend practical solutions. Certain management practices can contribute to nonpoint source pollution in the form of excess nutrients, salts, pesticides, or pathogenic organisms. Fortunately, there are a range of alternative management practices that can be implemented to minimize these effects on water quality. These "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) prevent pollution of the environment while still enabling the economic production of a quality, marketable product. Examples of BMPs include:
- Maximizing irrigation efficiency
- Evaluating irrigation schedules
- Upgrading outdated equipment
- Selecting appropriate growing mediA
- Reducing leaching
- Reusing irrigation runoff
- Utilizing Integrated Pest Management strategies
- Avoiding over-fertilization
- Preventing erosion and controlling drainage
- Managing waste appropriately
- Training employees
Every agricultural operation has a unique set of circumstances that determines the combination of practices that will be most effective at reducing runoff and nonpoint source pollution. Self-Assessment Questionnaires are available to help you analyze your own property and identify the regulatory issues relevant to your operation. In addition, Cooperative Extension staff will work with you individually to complete your property assessment and recommend BMP solutions. These site visits are strictly confidential and free of charge. To schedule a site visit, please call us at (858) 694-3393.