Agriculture and Watershed Pollutant Load

 This week, search for a journal article on one of two subjects: 1) agricultural impacts on watersheds, or 2) the improvements gained from BMP (best management practices) changes in water quality or watersheds. Keep in mind our topic this week is watershed pollutant load, so consider the role of agricultural operations in watersheds. I want to be sure that we not only cover impacts, but also cover the positive changes that have improved water quality over the years. You may also find literature about the success of federal programs designed to improve agricultural runoff, like those employed by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS; in the Farm Bill, for example). Here is a video on “Farming with Water Quality in Mind” to introduce this week’s topic: http://youtu.be/NqG-r-fH0AI