Digital Commons Network^™

A Design Aid For Determining Width Of Filter Strips, Michael G. Dosskey, M. J. Helmers, Dean E. Eisenhauer

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Watershed planners need a tool for determining width of filter strips that is accurate enough for developing cost-effective site designs and easy enough to use for making quick determinations on a large number and variety of sites. This study employed the process-based Vegetative Filter Strip Model to evaluate the relationship between filter strip width and trap¬ping efficiency for sediment and water and to produce a design aid for use where specific water quality targets must be met. Model simulations illustrate that relatively narrow filter strips can have high impact in some situations, while in others even a modest impact cannot …

Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Nutrient Transport Following Compost Application, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

The placement of stiff‐stemmed grass hedges on the contour along a hillslope has been shown to decrease nutrient transport in runoff. This study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of a narrow grass hedge in reducing runoff nutrient transport from plots with a range of soil nutrient values. Composted beef cattle manure was applied at dry weights of 0, 68, 105, 142, and 178 Mg ha^-1 to a silty clay loam soil and then incorporated by disking. Soil samples were collected 243 days later for analysis of water‐soluble phosphorus (WSP), Bray and Kurtz No. 1 phosphorus (Bray‐1 P), NO …

Spatial Variations In Nutrient And Microbial Transport From Feedlot Surfaces, John E. Gilley, Elaine D. Berry, Roger A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Bryan L. Woodbury

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Nutrient and microbial transport by runoff may vary at different locations within a beef cattle feedlot. If the areas making the largest contributions to nutrient and microbial transport can be identified, it may be possible to institute site‐specific management practices to reduce runoff nutrient and microbial transport. The objectives of this study were to: (1) measure selected feedlot soil properties and nutrient and microbial transport in runoff from various feedlot locations, (2) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on nutrient and microbial transport, and (3) …

Eutrophication And Harmful Algal Blooms: A Scientific Consensus, J. Heisler, P. M. Glibert, J. M. Burkholder, D. M. Anderson, W. Cochlan, W. C. Dennison, Q. Dortch, C. J. Gobler, C. A. Heil, E. Humphries, A. Lewitus, R. Magnien, H. G. Marshall, K. Sellner, D. A. Stockwell, D. K. Stoecker, M. Suddleson

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Staff Publications

In January 2003, the US Environmental Protection Agency sponsored a ‘‘roundtable discussion’’ to develop a consensus on the relationship between eutrophication and harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically targeting those relationships for which management actions may be appropriate. Academic, federal, and state agency representatives were in attendance. The following seven statements were unanimously adopted by attendees based on review and analysis of current as well as pertinent previous data:

(1) Degraded water quality from increased nutrient pollution promotes the development and persistence of many HABs and is one of the reasons for their expansion in the U.S. and other nations;

(2) …

Nitrogen Mineralization From Broiler Litter Applied To Southeastern Coastal Plain Soils, R.K. Hubbard, D.D. Bosch, L.K. Marshall, T.C. Strickland, D. Rowland, T.S. Griffin, C.W. Honeycutt, S.L. Albrecht, K.R. Sistani, Ha Torbert, Brian J. Wienhold, B. L. Woodbury, J. M. Powell

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

A field study was conducted to determine nitrogen (N) mineralization from broiler litter (EL) in two Coastal Plain soils of differing texture, sandy (Tifton loamy sand) or clayey (Greenville sandy clay loam). These soils represented the broad range in surface textures commonly found in soils used for agricultural production in the southeastern Coastal Plain. Published protocols used for the study were designed by the ARS mineralization team. In addition to measuring ammonium (NH₄-N) and nitrate (NO₃-N) in the soil as a measure of N mineralization, both total C and total N were measured to determine the …

G08-1491 Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange), Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The presence of calcium (Ca) and/or magnesium (Mg) in water results in water being considered "hard." Calcium and magnesium ions in water react with heat, metallic plumbing, and chemical agents such as detergents to decrease the effectiveness of nearly any cleaning task. Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process. This 2008 guide discusses the ion exchange water softening process and related equipment used for household water treatment.

G08-1489 Drinking Water Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Activated carbon filtration can effectively reduce certain organic compounds and chlorine in drinking water. It can also reduce the quantity of lead, dissolved radon, and harmless taste- and odor-causing compounds. This 2008 NebGuide discusses the principles, processes, and requirements of activated carbon filtration systems for the domestic (household) user.

G08-1614 Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories In Nebraska, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 2008 NebGuide explains the certification process water testing laboratories follow, and lists certified government and commercial operated laboratories.

G08-1784 Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, Bruce I. Dvorak, Ralph Pulte

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nitrate-nitrogen is sometimes present in drinking water. At certain levels it can present a health risk. Properly locating and constructing wells along with regularly testing can help manage risk and are discussed in this 2008 NebGuide.

G08-1569 Drinking Water: Uranium, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Naturally occurring uranium has always been present in some drinking water supplies in Nebraska. It became a newly regulated substance in public community drinking water supplies when the Environmental Protection Agency revised the Radionuclides Rule, which took effect in December 2003.

Uranium occurs naturally in soil and rocks. It can enter groundwater and contaminate drinking water, which, over time, can harm health. Learn what testing and treatment options are available.

Ec08-1552 Drinking Water: Arsenic, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element present in rocks and soil. Arsenic is the 20th most abundant element in the earth’s crust and often forms compounds by combining with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. As water passes through and over soil and rock formations, it dissolves many compounds and minerals including arsenic. The result is that varying amounts of soluble arsenic are present in some water sources. Arsenic chemistry is complex because it has many forms.

This 2008 NebGuide discusses arsenic in public and private drinking water supplies.

G08-1490 Drinking Water Treatment: Reverse Osmosis, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Homeowners can find out more about reverse osmosis (RO) in this 2008 guide, which discusses the principles and process of RO treatment for household drinking water.

G08-1844 Stormwater Management: Pesticide Use In The Lawn And Garden, Clyde Ogg, Erin Bauer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 2008 NebGuide explains how the proper use and application of lawn and garden pesticides can prevent potential water contamination from stormwater runoff.

Ec08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need To Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 2008 NebGuide explores household water quality and treatment options and can help consumers select a treatment system suited to a particular situation.