Production-environmental Quality Demonstration Farm

The reduction of agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is essential to protect the quality of North Carolina's water resources. In order to reduce these pollutants, increased implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) by individual producers is being proposed. Recommended BMPs include soil and water conservation practices, fertilizer and animal waste management and integrated pest management. However, little quantifiable data exists on BMP system effectiveness in reducing NPS losses or on any associated economic benefits. In order to obtain such information, a pair of privately owned farms in the piedmont of Wake County were studied during 1982. One farm was used as a control, with no BMPs being used except soil testing. The experimental farm produces swine and utilizes a variety of BMPs ranging from no-till to land application of swine waste. During 1982, the loss of water, sediment and nutrients from each farm was measured. Results show water yield to be 50% lower, sediment yield 99% lower, and total nitrogen and total phosphorus yield to be 80% lower on a per acre basis from the experimental farm compared to the control farm. With specific data available on BMP effectiveness, it is hoped that producer BMP implementation will increase across North Carolina.