Promoting Productive Agriculture and a Clean Environment: the Chowan Experience

Several elements of the agricultural nonpoint source control program in the Chowan River basin are reviewed to give direction to future efforts. In-stream water quality monitoring, interviews with farmers, and analysis of agricultural production trends have revealed several major points which need consideration in implementation efforts. Due to difficulties in documenting water quality improvements from agricultural management changes in large watersheds, research efforts should focus on providing quantifiable data on Best Management Practice effectiveness and economics from farm or plot studies. Additional research on using poultry litter for fertilizer supplement and developing field decay rates is warranted because of the large broiler industry in the Chowan basin. Provision of adequate technical and financial assistance are prerequisites to enlisting farmer participation in nonpoint source control programs. Participation can be accelerated by establishing demonstration farms successfully using various Best Management Practices. In the area of animal waste management, commercial services to haul and land apply swine lagoon wastes and broiler litter should be encouraged to fully utilize their valuable nutrients. Limited resources dictate that the voluntary control program address these findings and tailor efforts to maximize nonpoint source reductions and on-farm productivity.