A federal study shows Conservation measures by farmers have reduced nitrogen and phosphorus runoff along the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says voluntary agricultural conservation practices helped reduce nitrogen downstream in the Upper Mississippi River Basin watershed by as much as 34 percent. The impact on phosphorus reduction was less promising, with reductions topping out at 10 percent.
Last week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said the study provides evidence that investments by federal, state, local, and nonprofit groups are improving water quality. Vilsack says more farmers in the basin are using cover crops and no-till practices and embracing precision agriculture to cut down on runoff of nitrogen, phosphorous, and other pollutants from fertilizer and manure.
Source: NAFB News Service