Controlling Nonpoint Source Pollution: Strategies For Action

Nonpoint source pollution is a pressing issue that affects our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. It is caused by the runoff of nutrients, sediments, pesticides and other toxic chemicals into waterbodies. There are many ways to control and prevent this type of pollution, from individual actions to community initiatives and government-led schemes. This article will explore some of the simple solutions that can be implemented to make a difference and protect our natural environment from the damaging effects of nonpoint source pollution.

Grass planting and laying straw around construction sites

Buffer strips are often planted between a farm field and a body of water, or around impervious paving materials such as parking lots and sidewalks. They are effective in trapping large materials and filtering sediment from rainwater, as well as slowing down runoff. This helps to control erosion and keep pollutants from entering water bodies.

In addition to grass planting and straw laying, other methods to reduce nonpoint source pollution include sediment fences, which are used in urban and suburban areas and construction sites. These fences control erosion, trap large materials, filter sediment, and slow runoff. Conservation tillage is another method, which involves leaving some crop residue from a previous harvest while planting a new crop. This reduces erosion and keeps nutrients and pesticides in place.

Proper landscape management can also help minimise rainwater runoff. This includes preserving neighbourhood trees, placing retaining walls or diversions on steeply sloping ground, and ensuring proper maintenance of septic tanks. These measures help to reduce the rate of water flow and erosion, ultimately reducing the impact of nonpoint source pollution.

Buffer strips between farm fields and bodies of water

Buffer strips are strips of grass located between farm fields and bodies of water. They are an effective way to control nonpoint source pollution. The buffer strip absorbs soil, fertilisers, pesticides, and other pollutants before they can reach the water.

Buffer strips are often used in conjunction with sediment fences, which are used in urban and suburban areas, as well as construction sites, to control erosion, trap large materials, filter sediment from rainwater, and slow runoff. Together, these two methods can help to prevent contaminants from entering aquatic environments.

Buffer strips are particularly effective when combined with other pollution control methods. For example, grass planting and straw laying around construction sites can help to reduce runoff and associated nonpoint source pollution. Conservation tillage, which involves leaving some crop residue from a previous harvest while planting a new crop, can also reduce erosion and keep nutrients and pesticides in place.

In addition to these measures, proper landscape management can also help to minimise rainwater runoff and reduce nonpoint source pollution. This includes leaving a buffer of tall grasses or shrubs around bodies of water, preserving trees that help to minimise surface runoff damage, and placing retaining walls or diversions on steeply sloping ground to reduce water flow and erosion.

Conservation tillage

Preventing Nonpoint Source Pollution

There are many ways to prevent nonpoint source pollution, which is when pollutants enter waterbodies via runoff. State and local governments, volunteer groups, water quality professionals, and ordinary people are all working together to clean up our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. There are many ways that you can help too.

Another advantage of conservation tillage is that it can help to suppress weeds. The crop residue acts as a physical barrier, preventing sunlight from reaching the weed seeds and inhibiting their growth. This can reduce the need for herbicides, which can be harmful to the environment if used excessively. Overall, conservation tillage is a sustainable farming practice that offers multiple benefits for soil health, water quality, and crop production. By adopting this technique, farmers can contribute to the prevention of nonpoint source pollution and promote more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Crop nutrient management

Nutrient management is a key part of preventing nonpoint source pollution. This involves applying fertilizers sparingly to prevent excess nutrient runoff. Before the growing season, farmers test the fields to ensure that nutrients are applied only as needed. This is important because excess nutrients can run off into nearby water sources, causing pollution.

Farmers can use a variety of methods to test their fields, including soil testing and plant tissue testing. Soil testing involves taking samples of soil from different parts of the field and sending them to a lab for analysis. The lab will determine the nutrient levels in the soil and make recommendations for fertilizer application. Plant tissue testing involves taking samples of plant tissue, such as leaves or stems, and sending them to a lab for analysis. This can help farmers determine if the plants are taking up enough nutrients from the soil.

Another important aspect of crop nutrient management is the timing of fertilizer application. Farmers need to apply fertilizers at the right time to ensure that the nutrients are available when the plants need them the most. For example, nitrogen is a key nutrient for plant growth, and it is important to apply nitrogen fertilizers before the growing season starts. This will ensure that the plants have enough nitrogen to support their growth throughout the season.

In addition to applying fertilizers sparingly and at the right time, farmers can also use cover crops and crop rotation to manage nutrients. Cover crops are plants that are grown specifically to improve soil health and nutrient management. They can help to prevent erosion and reduce nutrient runoff by keeping the soil in place during the off-season. Crop rotation involves planting different types of crops in a specific sequence to improve soil health and nutrient management. This can help to break the cycle of pest and disease buildup and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

By implementing these crop nutrient management practices, farmers can play a crucial role in preventing nonpoint source pollution. These practices not only help to protect the environment but also improve the efficiency of fertilizer use, leading to better crop yields and more sustainable agriculture.

Proper disposal of litter and recycling

One way to prevent this is to dispose of litter in garbage cans or recycling bins. Recycling glass, aluminium, plastic, paper, motor oil and newspapers is a great way to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Composting yard and garden waste is also beneficial.

It is also important to pick up pet waste and bag it with regular household trash or flush it down the toilet. This prevents pollutants from entering water sources.

Another way to prevent nonpoint source pollution is to ensure that septic tanks are working properly. This will prevent leaks and stop pollutants from entering the water supply.

Frequently asked questions