Wisconsin farmers learn strategies to implement practices that protect local waterways

Agriculture is the dominant land use in Wisconsin. Current farming practices have a significant impact on soil and nutrient loss to surface and groundwater. The majority of water bodies included on Wisconsin’s Impaired Waters List are a result of excess phosphorus, creating eutrophic conditions – and many are located in predominately agricultural watersheds. Groundwater pollution from agriculture also presents a challenge. Nitrate loads to groundwater have increased statewide since 2013. Subtleties of phosphorus and nitrogen dynamics and the effectiveness of suggested practices are key focuses for educational content by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Agriculture Water Quality Program. The program aims to increase the awareness of farmers, crop advisors and conservation professionals of farming practices’ impact on soil and nutrient losses to surface and groundwater.

The program delivers several different educational efforts to increase farmers, crop advisors and conservation professionals’ awareness of farming practices’ impact on soil and nutrient losses to surface and groundwater. Discovery Farms, a program of UW-Madison Division of Extension, collected water quality data from nine edge of field surface runoff sites and three subsoil leaching locations in 2023. Discovery Farms’ water quality monitoring and similar research by faculty in Wisconsin and beyond provides a basis for outreach information and practice recommendations delivered by agriculture water quality outreach specialists. Outreach specialists collaborated to produce a three-part webinar series to increase understanding of phosphorus loss based on time of year and farming system, and quantification of nitrogen movement in different locations and farming systems. Attendance at the three webinars averaged 160 viewers per webinar, with a mixed audience of farmers, crop advisers and conservation professionals. Program staff partnered with university colleagues to host the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference, which drew more than 350 people.

For each webinar, over 90% of respondents reported a change in knowledge on the topics including nitrate leaching, dissolved phosphorus and 10-20% reported a significant change. Ninety-seven percent of the conference attendees reported that they plan to implement or work with clients to implement strategies learned at the conference.

Project supported by state appropriations funds.