Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Reducinggroundwater Nitrate In The Judith River Watershed: A Participatory Approach To Achieveeffective Management For Improved Water Quality, S. Ewing, A. Sigler, Douglas B. Jackson-Smith, C. Jones, G. Weissmann

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

Rising levels of nitrate in groundwater threaten human health and downstream ecosystems. In the Judith River Watershed, Montana, groundwater nitrate concentrations frequently exceed 10 mg L-­‐1, and may be increasing due to agricultural practices on thin soils overlying shallow, unconfined aquifers with short groundwater residence :mes. Previous extension and research ac:vi:es in the watershed have provided key data and established working relationships with local stakeholders, but adoption rates of water quality best management practices (BMPs) have been low. With this project, we undertake a participatory approach that engages agricultural producers and stakeholders to: