ReducingGroundwater Nitrate in the Judith River Watershed: A Participatory Approach to AchieveEffective Management for Improved Water Quality

Authors

S. Ewing
A. Sigler
Douglas B. Jackson-Smith, Utah State UniversityFollow
C. Jones
G. Weissmann

Document Type

Poster

Journal/Book Title

USDA Land and Sea Grant National Water Conference

Publication Date

2012

Abstract

Rising levels of nitrate in groundwater threaten human health and downstream ecosystems. In the Judith River Watershed, Montana, groundwater nitrate concentrations frequently exceed 10 mg L-­‐1, and may be increasing due to agricultural practices on thin soils overlying shallow, unconfined aquifers with short groundwater residence :mes. Previous extension and research ac:vi:es in the watershed have provided key data and established working relationships with local stakeholders, but adoption rates of water quality best management practices (BMPs) have been low. With this project, we undertake a participatory approach that engages agricultural producers and stakeholders to:

Recommended Citation

Ewing, S., A Sigler, D. Jackson-Smith, C. Jones and G. Weissmann. “Reducing Groundwater Nitrate in the Judith River Watershed: A Participatory Approach to Achieve Effective Management for Improved Water Quality.” Co-author of poster presented at 2012 USDA Land and Sea Grant National Water Conference, Portland, OR, May 21-24, 2012.