Field Assessment for Water Field Assessment for Water Resource ProtectionResource Protection

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Want to do a better job of Want to do a better job of protecting soil & water quality?protecting soil & water quality?

Where do I start?Where do I start?

What is a Field Assessment?What is a Field Assessment?

Helps you assess your:• Nutrient Management• Soil Conservation• Pest Management• Drainage & Irrigation

Management• Areas Adjacent to Fields

Use Extension publication:Field Assessment for Water Resource Protection (WQ-42)

Streamlined MethodStreamlined Method

1. Answer questions

2. For “No” or “Don’t Know” answers go to recommendations and assistance

3. Write down an action plan to improve upon weaker areas of management

Uses a 3-step “quick check” method to ask key questions about field practices.

Assessment Quick CheckAssessment Quick Check

RecommendationsRecommendations

Action PlanAction Plan

Let’s Try ItLet’s Try It

Background Information for Field Assessment Example

• Corn and soybeans are alternated from year to year• No cover crops are grown• No manure is applied• Soils are tested for nutrient, mineral, and organic matter levels once

every four years, but no other nutrient monitoring methods are used• Tends to go on what fertilizer dealer recommends for application rates

on nitrogen• Nutrients are often applied in fall along with fall plowing due to time

crunch of spring planting• Unless it is raining, herbicides are applied to schedule, and label and

rates followed, but no crop scouting is conducted• Insecticides are applied if evidence of pests present, but application is

not based on economic thresholds• Field soils and topography have not been evaluated for potential for

leaching and runoff of nutrients and pesticides• Sensitive environmental areas (streams, karst, etc.) are recognized, but

no specific management actions are taken to protect them• Pesticides are mixed over the gravel driveway using a hose with no

backflow device directly into spray tank• Chemical jugs are triple rinsed and recycled

Implement the Action PlanImplement the Action Plan

• Implement the action plan

• Contact your local Extension Educator, and Soil & Water District for assistance

• Ask about conservation programs for the practices you are seeking to improve upon.

Monitor Changes in the SoilMonitor Changes in the Soil

• Farmer driven• Easy to do• Increases soil quality

knowledge• Evaluates impact of

practices• Leads to better decision

making

Use Extension publication “On-Farm Soil Monitoring for Water Resource

Protection, WQ-43”

How to obtain materialsHow to obtain materials• Call toll free to

Purdue Extension

1-888-EXT-INFO and ask for WQ-42.

• Click on ‘Field Assessment’ at www.ces.purdue.edu/waterquality.

• Ask your County Extension Educator

Field Assessment for Water Field Assessment for Water Resource Protection helps you: Resource Protection helps you:

• Assess your current practices,

• Identify recommended changes,

• Find Purdue publications and other resources that can help,

• Complete a plan for making the changes,

• Determine your next steps to improving and monitoring your practices.

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