by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS
One of the most common issues in farming is water management. Some farmers can misuse water resources when over- or under-irrigating crops or by mismanagement of farm runoff. This could create problems such as pollution, nutrient loss, and reduction in crop quality. For this reason, farmers are encouraged to implement water BMPs into their operations.
What Are Water BMPs?
Water BMPs are Individual practices or combination-based research, field-testing, and expert review, which have been determined to be the most effective and practicable means for maintaining or improving water quality. These practices should be based on science, must be measurable, economically viable, and when implemented, they should prevent and reduce pollution. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has determined that nonpoint source pollution (pollution that cannot be tracked down to the source) is the greatest contributor of pollution to water bodies. Producers can prevent these negative impacts by establishing and implementing water BMPs within their operations.
Benefits of Implementing Water BMPs or Enrolling Under the FDACS Water BMP Program
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) reviews BMPs and determines whether they will be effective and then the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) adopts them and promotes them to farmers. Enrolling in and implementing BMPs include:
- A presumption of compliance with water quality standards for the pollutants addressed by the BMPs.
- Technical assistance with BMP implementation.
- Eligibility for cost-share for certain BMPs.
- Some BMPs increase production efficiency and reduce costs.
- Improve the water quality of the farm and possible adjacent areas.
Farmers must keep in mind that the Implantation of BMPs does not exclude them from other water regulatory requirements required by the county, the city, or any local entity.
What Water BMPs Can Be Implemented?
There are a couple of BMPs that farmers can implement to manage their water resources within their farms. These include the following:
- Field and Bed Preparation – Land preparation for crops involves soil tillage on fields, beds, and ditches affecting stormwater runoff. Soil compaction should be monitored, and areas with big slopes should be avoided. Drainage ditches are vital in Florida due to heavy rainfall, and in sandy soils, it is recommended to construct a 3:1-foot horizontal to vertical slope for ditch banks.
- Nutrient and Irrigation Management – Nutrient and irrigation management are closely linked practices aimed at optimizing crop growth. Nutrient management involves controlling the source, rate, placement, and timing of nutrient applications to maintain soil fertility. Irrigation management focuses on selecting and maintaining the right irrigation system. The goal is to irrigate efficiently while minimizing nutrient loss, such as through leaching or runoff caused by over-irrigation.
- Irrigation systems maintenance – Maintenance ensures the irrigation system runs efficiently by including periodic calibration, visual inspections, preventive and corrective maintenance, and pump inspections. It also involves keeping detailed records and measuring the water delivered through devices like water meters or soil sensors.
- Sediment and erosion control measures – Erosion happens when soil is detached and transported by forces like gravity, water, and wind. Erosion control practices help prevent sediment loss, slow water flow, and trap debris and sediments in runoff. Five key factors that influence soil loss rates include rainfall intensity and duration, soil composition, field topography, vegetative cover, and tillage practices. Monitoring these five factors can help farmers to minimize erosion especially when selecting appropriate crops for a specific land and utilizing good tillage practices.
- Water Resources Protection – Water sources such as wetlands, springs, lakes, streams, and aquifers require protection using water conservation buffers. These non-cultivated areas are designed to retain water and soil, reducing pollutants in surface water runoff. Examples of these buffers include field area borders, filter strips, grassed waterways, and riparian buffers (areas or large vegetation surrounding a water body).
- Stormwater Management – The management of rainfall is essential for controlling runoff to protect the farm against floods and ensure water quality. The construction of impervious surfaces (surfaces where water does not get absorbed), such as buildings, can increase stormwater runoff. Designing a system in your farm where you can direct runoff to minimize pollution should be a priority. Before creating any stormwater management system, it’s important to consult with your local water management district.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – The objectives of IPM are to reduce pest management costs, conserve energy, and minimize risks to people, animals, and the environment. Since most pesticides are applied as sprays, the misuse of pesticides can negatively affect water quality. Because of this, farmers must avoid unnecessary pollution by implementing an IPM program that includes common practices such as identifying key pests on important plants, monitoring and scouting pests, following control-action guidelines, preventing pest problems, and integrating various IPM strategies.
- Recycling and Waste Management – Materials on the farm that can contaminate water bodies should be managed appropriately. For example, fertilizers should be stored in an enclosed structure with an impervious floor, located at least 100 feet from wetlands, waterbodies, or sinkholes. Used oil, solvent bath waste, and antifreeze should be recycled through appropriate methods. Additionally, waste materials from agricultural activities should be managed according to FDEP, FDACS, and local standards.
The Bottom Line
Water management is crucial for farmers to prevent water pollution and nutrient loss. Implementing Water BMPs helps improve water quality, boosts farm efficiency, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations. These practices are essential for sustainable farming and protecting water resources.
For more information about Water BMP please visit the following FDACS website:
Agricultural Best Management Practices
Luis Rodriguez is the Polk County Small Farms and Pesticide Education Extension Agent. You can reach him at lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu