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The Needs for Water Quality Models on Agricultural Watersheds
Author(s) -
Nicholson H. P.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1975.00472425000400010004x
Subject(s) - environmental science , surface runoff , agriculture , nonpoint source pollution , pollutant , water quality , drainage , water resource management , environmental planning , ecology , biology
Abstract Man's agricultural activities contribute pollutants to surface and ground water. Preservation of water quality requires greater effort to control these pollutants including eroded soil, agricultural chemicals, oxygen‐demanding organic wastes, and sometimes heavy metals and pathogens. Management of nonpoint source agricultural pollutants will require the management of runoff or vertical movement from the source, the efficient selection and use of appropriate pesticides and fertilizers, and the retention of animal wastes and plant residues on the land. Management programs should be planned for complete drainage basins making use of existing conservation programs. Mathematical models now under development will augment current management practices and will enable the application of computer technology to prediction of the consequences of agronomic practices.