Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Quantifying the role of riparian management to control non-point source pollution of pasture and cropland streams

Project ID: E2004-24

Abstract

Grazing management practices have the potential to mitigate some problems with sediment and phosphorus loading in pasture streams. The project demonstrated possible strategies to lessen grazing impacts on streams.

Key Question: Are there options to complete exclusion of cattle for maintaining water quality of pasture streams?

Findings: Yes, strategies such as rotational grazing with controlled grazing of the riparian paddock, building of stabilized stream access points, and/or providing off-stream water will reduce the risks of sediment and nutrient loading of pasture streams associated with congregation of cattle in or near pasture streams.

Lead investigator: James Russell, ISU Animal Science, et al

Year of grant completion: 2009

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Animal management and forage, Conservation practices, Water quality, quantity and management