2004 Compendium of OMAFRA Funded
Environment Research:
Water Quality (WQ)
| 2004
Compendium of OMAFRA Funded Environment Research - Index Page |
WQ1 Development of Alternative Irrigation Practices to Improve Water-Use
Efficiency, Nutrient-Use Efficiency and Water Quality
Project Leader: Ron Beyaert
Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Delhi ON N4B 2W9
519-582-1950 x240
beyaertr@agr.gc.ca
Collaborating Researchers: B.R. Ball Coelho and R.C. Roy, Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada
Project Duration: June 2002 - June 2004
Project #: SR9119
Abstract:
The development of a research program to investigate the potential for
surface (DI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) on coarse-textured soils
is necessary to better utilize irrigation water while reducing environmental
impact in the production of high value crops. This project will complete
a field trial to assess the ability of alternative irrigation/fertilization
technologies to increase water and nutrient use-efficiency in the production
of high-value crops. The use of micro-irrigation technology may allow
more efficient use of Ontario irrigation water resources while reducing
the potential for leaching of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, into the
groundwater. This will be accomplished by applying these nutrients only
to the zone of soil containing the bulk of the plant roots, in small amounts,
and only as required by the crop through the irrigation system.
The overall objective of the study will be met by determining yield,
quality, nutrient uptake and leaching losses of both once-over harvested
and multi-pick cucumber cultivars under various irrigation/fertilization
schemes in field plots. A total of 7 treatments will be evaluated. Surface
drip and subsurface drip (20 cm deep) irrigation treatments will be compared
to conventional dry fertilizer application at recommended application
rates with overhead irrigation. Each drip irrigation treatment will have
3 levels of fertilizer application below, at and above OMAF recommended
application rates. Irrigation scheduling will be based on soil moisture
determinations.
Crop production systems that incorporate these irrigation technologies
are expected to increase water-use efficiency through reduced losses to
evaporation, improved scheduling and greater capacity for control of internal
drainage and reduce nutrient loss to the environment through reduced leaching
losses.
WQ2 Production/management of floriculture greenhouse crops
Project Leader: Theo J. Blom
Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53847
tblom@uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2006
OASIS #: 25863
Abstract:
The floriculture research program is directed at solving the needs
of the floricultural production industry with applied research objectives.
The projects involve a comprehensive research program to improve various
production management techniques for both cut flowers and potted plants
through 5 objectives:
- plant modifications through light quality, temperature manipulation,
water temperature, thygmo morphogenesis or other non-chemical means.
- more efficient use of production inputs such as energy, light, carbon
dioxide and temperature control.
- more sustainable production through optimizing nutrients and water
through recirculation and disease management.
- improvement of increased acceptability through species/cultivar selection
or improved post harvest quality of potted plants or cut flowers
WQ3 Reduction of solid and phosphorus waste outputs of salmonids through
improvement of feed formulation
Project Leader: Dominique Bureau
Animal & Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53668
dbureau@uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2004
OASIS #: 25673
Abstract:
The environmental impact of fish culture is becoming a matter of concern
for the public and various levels of government in Ontario. Solid organic
matter wastes settling to the sediment can negatively impact freshwater
ecosystems by creating hypoxic conditions. Phosphorus (P) waste output
is also a concern, since P is generally the most limiting factor for algae
growth in freshwater, and excess P may lead to eutrophication of the receiving
water body. Reduction of outputs from these two types of waste is key
to ensuring the long-term sustainability of salmonid culture in Ontario.
Since these two types of wastes are ultimately from dietary origins,
efforts to reduce them should be at the source, namely the feeds. Very
significant reductions in solid organic matter and P waste outputs have
been achieved by aquaculture operations over the past three decades through
use of improved quality feeds. However, more progress can be achieved
through fine-tuning of the feed composition, the use of new or improved
ingredients, and the use of dietary additives to increase the digestibility
of organic matter and P of common feed ingredients.
This project will involve a series of trials to explore the effect of
various feed formulae based on novel or under exploited economical ingredients,
and dietary additives (exogenous enzymes) on growth performance and solid
and P waste outputs of rainbow trout. In addition, methods to reliably
assess physical characteristics (cohesiveness, density) of waste produced
by fish will be developed. The information generated by this project will
be presented to stakeholders of the industry during various meetings and
workshops and through technical and scientific publications.
WQ4 (AQ, SQ) Conflict resolution in rural Ontario: Responding to the
intensification of agriculture
Project Leader: Wayne Caldwell
Environmental Design & Rural Development
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56420
wcaldwel@rpd.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: Stewart Hilts, Land Resource Science
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2005
OASIS #: 25974
Abstract:
This research has the objective to identify best practices in the management
of conflict associated with the intensification of agriculture. It shall
apply principles of community development to enhance capacity to address
issues of environmental and rural sustainability. In this context the
research will be of assistance to communities, farmers, farm organizations,
planners, policy makers and local government.
Issues related to agricultural intensification including odour, water
quality, and water usage can create animosity within the community. The
management of this conflict is required to minimize the threat to agricultural
production from poor community relations. This conflict can often be resolved,
but requires skilled facilitation to encourage discussion, understanding
and in turn resolution of problems.
This research will evaluate approaches used beyond Ontario. In Manitoba,
for example Manitoba Pork Producers have initiated a program of peer review
mediation and in Alberta the Agricultural Operations Act provides opportunities
for mediation. Ontario's recently adopted Nutrient Management Act contemplates
the establishment of local committees to respond to conflict.
The research will deliver the following tangibles:
- The research will monitor different approaches and the success of
local conflict resolution and identify best practices.
- The experience of the farm community with the Ontario Municipal Board,
the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board and the courts will be documented
and analyzed.
- The research will evaluate the opportunity for local committees to
assist in mediating disputes.
- A manual will be prepared to assist local initiatives to establish
committees to mediate agricultural disputes.
WQ5 The development of DNA microarray technology for use in testing
of key microbial contaminants in water samples
Project Leader: Shu Chen
Laboratory Services Division
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1H 8J7
519-767-6319
schen@lsd.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: M. Griffiths, Department of Food Science;
K. Rahn, Health Canada; B. Brooks, Canadian Food Inspection Agency; R.
Fayek, Virtek Vision
Project Duration: October 2001 - January 2003
Project #: SR9087
Abstract:
The key contaminants in surface and ground water resources, including
Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Cyclospora, Escherichia
coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter,
are common causes of waterborne diseases. Rapid, simple and cost-effective
detection of these key pathogenic contaminants is crucial in ensuring
water safety and a healthy environment. The purpose of this research was
to develop a practical DNA microarray for use in diagnostics and water
or food safety testing.
This project was a continuation/extension of previous and ongoing research
on the development of a DNA microarray-based test for detecting key food-borne
bacterial pathogens including Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli
(STEC), E. coli serotype O157:H7, Campylobacter, Salmonella,
Salmonella typhimurium DT104, and Listeria monocytogenes.
In this project, we expanded the pathogen coverage on the bacterial microarray
to include key waterborne parasites: Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia
intestinalis and Cyclospora cayetanensis, and developed a fluorescent
multiplex PCR assay capable of simultaneously amplifying the specific
genes of the three parasites. The functionality of the expanded microarray
and associated procedures in testing the nine pathogens in pure cultures
as well as in spiked water samples was demonstrated.
The multiplex PCR-microarray system was evaluated for its specificity
using 30 parasitic strains, 60 target bacteria strains and 52 non-target
bacterial and parasitic strains. All of the confirmed target strains were
correctly detected; all of the non-target strains were not detected. The
system was able to detect approximately 50-100 copies of template DNA
in pure cultures and about 100 copies of template DNA in spiked water
sediment samples for the targeted parasites. The system was further evaluated
using 30 spiked water sediment samples that contained one, two, three
or four pathogens together in one sample, and resulted in correct matches
between the microarray results and the identities of the samples.
It was concluded that the expanded multiplex PCR-microarray system developed
in this project is capable of detecting the three parasitic and the six
bacterial pathogens in a single assay. It should potentially be a valuable
tool for comprehensive and cost-effective water/food safety testing. Further
improvement in the limit of detection of the assay and more validation
studies using naturally contaminated water samples are suggested before
the system can be implemented in diagnostic laboratories.
WQ6 (SQ) Efficient and environmentally sound use of nitrogen fertilizers,
organic amendments, irrigation and herbicides in Ontario orchards
Project Leader: John Cline
Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph
Simcoe ON N1G 2W1
519-426-7127 x331
jcline@uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: June 2002 - June 2005
Project #: SR9110
Abstract:
There is increasing demand in modern high density tree fruit orchards
to intensify the use of nitrogenous fertilizers, herbicides, and supplemental
irrigation water to maximize precocity and fruit quality. Increasing globalization
and decreasing profit margins, coupled with the rising consumer demand
for safe food produce with less chemical inputs, is creating uncertainty
and instability for Ontario producers with these two seeming opposing
pressures.
The overall goal of this project is to provide a research database and
ultimately give fruit producers the means to reduce chemical and water
inputs without sacrificing fruit quality or profitability. This research
will specifically address the efficient and safe use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers,
organic amendments, irrigation and herbicides. The apple orchard will
be used as a model, however, the results will be directly applicable to
other tree fruit species, such as peaches or pears grown under similar
management practices in Ontario.
The specific objectives will be to: a) investigate the efficiency of
N uptake and fate of N in the soil and groundwater; b) investigate new
subsurface drip micro irrigation technology for improved water and nutrient
use efficiency, groundwater protection and improved weed control and to
compare this with standard trickle irrigation best management practices
currently being recommended; c) investigate the benefits of various organic
amendments and alternative non-chemical forms of weed control for increasing
tree establishment, tree vigour, precocity and yield of tree fruit species;
d) perform an economic cost benefit analysis associated on same; e) quantify
the environmental benefits on the same; f) measure existing and alternative
chemical-free forms of weed control on soil water quality, water use,
plant water use efficiency, and; g) determine the effects of organic and
inorganic soil amendments on selected soil biological, chemical, and physical
properties indicative of soil quality.
WQ7 Environmentally friendly nursery production research
Project Leader: Calvin Chong
Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53032
cchong@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: Glen Lumis, Plant Agriculture
Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2006
OASIS #: 25758
Abstract:
The ornamental nursery/landscape industry ($355 million for nursery stock
and sod, and $4 billion in annual landscape upgrades) has traditionally
been one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors in Ontario. However,
increasing concerns over the disposal of wastes and water quality have
heightened the significance of our "environmentally-friendly"
research program. Our program is focussed on nutrient leachate recycling
and the utilization of waste products and garbage-derived composts for
use in growing ornamentals.
This research program looks at aspects of nursery culture with emphasis
on container-growing and introduction of new or innovative environmentally-
friendly practices. In view of the recent introduction of Ontario's Nutrient
Management Act, the results are anticipated to have a large and beneficial
impact on the nursery industry. This research will help to develop and
fine-tune the needed wastewater and nutrient recycling technology and
have it ready for producers to apply into commercial practice.
WQ8 Development of integrated control systems and management strategies
for nutrient control in closed fertigation systems
Project Leader: Michael Dixon
Environmental Biology
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52555
mdixon@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: Bernard Grodzinski, Plant Agriculture
Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2006
OASIS #: 25853
Abstract:
Issues surrounding water and fertilizer usage, continue to be of importance
to Ontario's greenhouse industry. Closed loop fertigation systems are
gaining greater acceptance by the greenhouse industry. However there are
still several key problems (diseases, nutrient ion imbalances, salt accumulations
and growth media waste) that growers must face when adapting this technology.
Past work has shown that closed fertigation systems can lead to ion imbalances
if based solely on EC and pH technologies. There is a need for the development
of fertigation systems that are based on individual ion management. This
system will allow individual, real-time control of fertigation and will
be based on nutrient modeling and sensor technology. Models of nutrient
uptake by crops can serve the purposes of real-time control and prediction
as part of an integrated control system with sensors. The research will
also examine the use of copper and ozone as remediation technologies for
nutrient solutions and growth media, and low nutrient strategies as a
method of reducing salt accumulations in sub-irrigated systems and nutrient
discharge.
WQ9 Quantifying water quality impacts of livestock farms and other rural
land uses
Project Leader: Ron Fleming
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1612
rfleming@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003
OASIS #: 23770
Abstract:
This study attempted to put into perspective the various sources in a
watershed of water contaminants. It examined microbiological indicators,
such as bacteria, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. It established
typical impacts of a variety of agricultural practices. Factors such as
type of tillage, crop fertility program, livestock manure spreading, and
type of crop grown all can potentially affect water quality. The study
went further, though, and determined the potential impacts of other land
uses in the watersheds. Often, agriculture is assumed to be the largest
contributor of contaminants in a rural watershed, since it has the largest
land area. There are other impacts, however, that are not well documented
- for example: illegal connections of septic systems to drainage tiles,
sewage treatment plant discharges of raw sewage, and wildlife impacts.
Manure and drainage water samples were analyzed for levels of Cryptosporidium
and Giardia. This helped show the potential for manure management
practices to impact levels of these contaminants in surface water, compared
to other typical land uses in a watershed.
The second part of the study dealt with the manure volumes on swine farms
using wet/dry feeders. This feeding system reduces water wasted in a pig
barn. This can have a major impact on farmers using nutrient management
planning to determine manure spreading rates. This, in turn, can have
an impact on the potential for contamination of surface water or groundwater.
Several farms were being monitored to determine manure production rates
and manure nutrient concentrations under the two management practices
used on most swine farms. Water needs of the pigs were also being measured.
WQ10 Development of Best Management Practices to protect rural water
quality
Project Leader: Ron Fleming
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1612
rfleming@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2007
OASIS #: 26004
Abstract:
This project aims to measure the impact of a variety of farm practices
on water quality (both surface water and groundwater) with the goal of
developing Best Management Practices for the protection of the resource.
It will also verify the effectiveness of existing BMP's. Areas of focus
will include: dead stock disposal, tile drain water quality, liquid manure
storage and handling, and nutrient management planning. Parameters of
greatest concern will be nutrients and pathogens.
WQ11 The effect of nutrient availability on biogeochemical processes
affecting the transport of Escherichia coli in soils
Project Leader: Danielle Fortin
Department of Earth Sciences
University of Ottawa
Ottawa ON K1N 6N5
613-562-5800 x6423
dfortin@science.uottawa.ca
Project Duration: September 2001 - September 2003
Project #: SR9080
Abstract:
Escherichia coli is a pathogenic bacterial species associated with
manure. As large quantities of manure are produced by the pork and cattle
industries, and because the manure is susceptible to leaching by rain
and surface water, E. coli is a common groundwater contaminant
in rural Ontario (e.g. Walkerton). An ability to predict the speed and
extent of E. coli transport through soils is therefore essential
to evaluate the environmental risks associated with pork and cattle production
in Ontario, and, where required, to facilitate environmental remediation.
The transport of bacteria through soil is governed by several hydrological
and biogeochemical processes. Several recent studies have investigated
the hydrological processes affecting bacterial transport in soils (e.g.
groundwater flow, moisture content, change in hydraulic conductivity due
to clogging of pores by bacteria). Biogeochemical processes, however,
are presently poorly understood. Adhesion to minerals is the most important
biogeochemical process affecting bacterial transport through soils. Bacteria-mineral
adhesion is controlled by many intricately interrelated variables, including
pH, ionic strength, solution composition, mineralogy, bacterial growth
phase and metabolic activity. Moreover, our preliminary research indicates
that the availability of nutrients (such as carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen,
as would also be supplied to soil by leaching of manure) can affect many
of these controlling variables, thereby indirectly affecting bacterial-mineral
adhesion, and, ultimately, controlling bacterial transport through soils.
This investigation will conduct batch experiments to determine the degree
of E coli K-12 adhesion to soil minerals as nutrient availability,
solution pH and soil mineralogy are independently varied. The hypothesis
is that nutrient limitation will affect cell size, surface electric charge,
hydrophobicity and metabolic state. Nutrient concentrations will also
affect solution composition and ionic strength. This project predicts
that these changes in cell morphology, reactivity and solution composition
will affect the extent to which the cells adhere to different mineral
surfaces.
The major deliverable of this project will be a predictive model that
can be applied to determine the degree of bacteria-mineral adhesion in
a variety of different biogeochemical regimes, and thus be used to evaluate
the environmental risks associated with manure leaching. The use of this
sort of predictive tool will not only allow us to reduce the risk of environmental
contamination in Ontario, but it will also provide an economic benefit,
in that costs associated with site remediation will be lessened.
WQ12 (SQ) Evaluation of the impact of antibiotics on the survival, and
surfactants on the transport of manure bacteria after land application
Project Leader: Michael Goss
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52491
mgoss@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: Paul Sibley, Environmental Biology
Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2003
OASIS #: 25888
Abstract:
A previous study showed that the hydrophobicity of the bacterial cell
was the most important character for bacteria retention to surfaces. This
character is largely independent of the electrochemical properties of
the suspending solution. The bacterial cell surface acts as an amphiphilic
surface where both non-ionic and ionic moieties occur. Most of the charges
on the wall are negative and therefore act as cation exchange sites, similarly
to the clay-organic complexes.
Charges on the surfaces tend to be neutralized by the hydrated free ions
present in the suspending solution. However organic cations tend to displace
these inorganic ions thereby transforming the former hydrophilic sites
in organophilic (hydrophobic) loci. Organic matter in suspension can interact
with both ionic and non-ionic moieties.
Cationic surfactants can increase capacity of soils to absorb hydrophobic
molecules. They are retained at cation exchange sites, such as those on
clays and bacterial cell walls, imparting them a hydrophobic character.
We hypothesized that increasing the hydrophobicity of the soil and bacterial
cells, by addition of cationic surfactants, would result in increased
adsorption of bacterial cells to the soil particles and thereby reduce
the likelihood of transport to groundwater.
Subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in feed rations is a common method
for preventing disease and improving feed efficiency. However, very little
information is available on their presence in manure and their ecotoxicological
effects.
This study determined manure residue levels and the longevity of bacteria
exposed to two antibiotics, tylosin and monensin, commonly used subtherapeutically.
WQ13 (SQ) Reduction of the survival and transport of bacteria after
land application of organic materials contaminated with microbial pathogens
Project Leader: Michael Goss
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52491
mgoss@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: P. Sibley, Environmental Biology; L.
Evans, Land Resource Science; B. Van Heyst, School of Engineering
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2005
OASIS #: 26074
Abstract:
The potential for pathogens to contaminate water resources after the land
application of organic amendments, such as manure and sewage biosolids,
depends on their ability to survive in soil. Previous work has shown that
survival differs according to the properties of the receiving soil, the
material containing the pathogens, and the characteristics of the microbes.
The extent to which survival depends on the composition of the amendment,
and the competition between the introduced microbes and the indigenous
soil population is largely unknown. Criteria has been established for
better management practices that reduce the survival and hence the risk
to water resources from pathogens.
The ammoniacal nitrogen content of organic amendments varies, depending
on the storage and processing undertaken, or the addition of bedding material
in the case of manure. This research will investigate how this variation
affects the survival of enteric microbes by the addition of urea to the
amendments and to mixtures with different soils, and monitoring the survival
of enteric microbes over a period of up to 6 months. The pH of the soil
becomes more acidic as ammonia is lost by volatilization. Changes in pH
can alter the point of zero charge of the surface of organisms, making
them more or less likely to adhere to soil particles. A major objective
is to model the ammonia content of the mixtures with time, taking account
of the changes in pH and losses by volatilization. The project will also
examine the significance of antimicrobial incorporation into the feed
of cattle.
WQ14 Integrated management of aerial root environments in greenhouses
- Recirculating hydroponic systems
Project Leader: Bernard Grodzinski
Environmental Biology
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53439
bgrodzin@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: Michael Dixon, Plant Agriculture
Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2006
OASIS #: 25879
Abstract:
This project focuses on production problems in closed environments and
integrates analyses of plant physiology and epidemiology. The project
examines re-circulation of nutrient media in hydroponically grown greenhouse
crops and tests similar systems for manned space programs to provide food,
oxygen, and potable water. Physical re-mediation technologies, such as
ultraviolet radiation (UV), to kill pathogens in recirculating nutrient
solutions, are linked with epidemiology studies testing the efficacy of
biocontrol agents.
New non-invasive methods of monitoring canopy health, predicting and
controlling the disease are being tested. This project complements other
related studies on closed fertigation systems and ion imbalances, efficacy
of new biocontol agents, and improvement of plant productivity by selection
of new plant lines (e.g., those with low-light tolerance).
WQ15 Nitrate leaching in a clay loam soil after 44 years of consistent
soil and crop management
Project Leader: Pieter Groenevelt
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120
pgroenev@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: H. Dadfar, Land Resource Science; C.
F. Drury, W. D. Reynolds and C. S. Tan Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003
OASIS #: 23890
Abstract:
Management of water resources in areas susceptible to nitrate contamination
can benefit from knowledge of long-term, or "baseline", nitrate
leaching losses below the crop root zone. The objective of this study
was to characterize nitrate loss from twelve tile drained plots on a Brookston
clay loam soil (Orthic Humic Gleysol) which have had consistent agricultural
management for forty-four years. The treatments included conventionally
tilled fertilized and unfertilized continuous corn (Zea mays L.),
continuous Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and a conventionally
tilled corn-oats (Avena sativa L.)-alfalfa (Medicago sativa
L.)-alfalfa rotation with each crop in the rotation grown every year.
Tile discharge, nitrate concentration in tile drainage water, and total
nitrate loss through tile drainage water were measured in twelve plots.
Nitrate concentrations in soil pore water down to 2 m depth were also
measured in four of the twelve plots (fertilized and unfertilized continuous
corn, and fertilized and unfertilized rotation corn). The fertilized continuous
corn (CC) and rotation corn (RC) treatments produced 4-year (1999-2002)
flow weighted mean nitrate concentrations in tile drainage water of 15.0
and 20.3 mg N/l, respectively, both exceeding the Canadian drinking water
guideline value of 10 mg N/l. Mean nitrate concentrations in the soil
pore water below tile depth were also greater than the guideline value
for these two plots. Over the 4-year period, total cumulative nitrate
losses in tile drainage water were large at 131.6 kg N/ha for fertilized
RC and 79.7 kg N/ha for fertilized CC. In contrast, cumulative nitrate
losses in tile drainage were very low for unfertilized bluegrass (4.4
kg N/ha), fertilized bluegrass (6.6 kg N/ha) and unfertilized CC (7.5
kg N/ha). Hence, crop management practices can have a profound effect
on both nitrate loss from the crop root zone and nitrate contamination
of tile drainage water.
WQ16 Investigation of water quality problems on the Bonnechere river
system
Project Leader: Ben Hawkins
Kemptville College
University of Guelph
Kemptville ON K0G 1J0
613-258-8336 x458
bhawkins@kemptvillec.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2000 - April 2003
OASIS #: 25440
Abstract:
The project encompassed a thorough study of the Bonnechere River system
in order to evaluate the impact of industry, farms and residential practices
on water quality. It appears that over the years the quality of the water
along this water course has slowly been deteriorating. The different stakeholders
utilizing this natural resource are concerned and would like to determine
the cause or causes of the problem.
The Bonnechere River system flows from Algonquin Park to the Ottawa River
and its main uses include recreational, municipal water source and agricultural
water source. Any contaminants introduced to this system end up in the
Ottawa System. The reduction of pollutants in this water system will increase
its value for recreational use and reduce the cost of treatment for municipal,
and domestic use. This project investigated the factors that alter water
quality as the river flows from Algonquin Park to Renfrew, Ontario.
WQ17 Evaluation of manure application machinery
Project Leader: Ben Hawkins
Kemptville College
University of Guelph
Kemptville ON K0G 1J0
613-258-8336 x458
bhawkins@kemptvillec.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004
OASIS #: 25963
Abstract:
Disposal of manure produced from livestock operations has the potential
of being a source of pollution for surface and ground water if not handled
properly. Nutrient management planning is necessary to ensure the nutrients
are being supplied at rates that do not exceed the crop requirements.
The equipment available for applying the manure has to have the ability
to spread over a range of application rates because of the variety of
animal wastes and the management systems employed. The application rates
normally based on plant nitrogen requirements now have to take into account
soil phosphate levels. In many cases this reduces the acceptable application
rates. Recommendations are made based on the above mentioned conditions
as to the rate of nutrient application. The spreaders can deliver a wide
range of application rates but, the question is, are they able to meet
these recommendations?
Timing of application is also an important factor in nutrient management
planning. Reducing the rate and using multiple applications can also benefit
the crops being grown and their nutrient uptake.
There are many different makes, types and sizes of spreaders being used
in Ontario now. The equipment is spreading a wide variety of manures.
Very little information is available on the application rates the machines
are capable of delivering. This study will evaluate machinery being used
with respect to application rates, consistency and other operating parameters.
WQ18 (AQ) Evaluation of within-field nitrogen management units based
on potential for environmental impact
Project Leader: Richard Heck
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52450
rheck@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: I. O'Halloran, Ridgetown College; John
Lauzon, Gary Parkin, Land Resource Science, Bill Deen, Plant Agriculture
and Wanhong Yang, Geography
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2007
OASIS #: 26008
Abstract:
The development of field management strategies aimed at optimizing crop
yield stability pattern, within economic constraints, yet minimizing the
impact of the production system on ecosystem health, requires good knowledge
of the spatial and temporal variability of the soil resource. Information
contained in conventional soil and crop yield-monitor surveys is frequently
inadequate for site-specific applications; it may be argued that a lack
of site-specific functional soil information is the major limitation to
the implementation of site-specific management practices. Traditional
soil and crop sampling techniques, used to determine the variability in
soil nutrient and moisture status, are usually too time-consuming and
expensive to permit adequate delineation of nutrient management units
at the field scale. This research will develop methodologies to integrate
traditional techniques with high-resolution aerial imaging systems and
non-contacting geophysical sensors, as well as computer simulation models,
to facilitate the identification and characterization of within-field
nutrient management units designed to minimize environmental losses. Of
particular interest, from the standpoint of both crop production and environmental
protection, will be the fate of nitrogen from fertilizers and manures.
WQ19 Identification of N management units using organic
carbon
Project Leader: Beverley Kay
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52484
bkay@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: August 2000 - August 2003
Project #: SR9057
Abstract:
An essential element in applying sources of nitrogen (N) to variable landscapes
commonly found in fields is to identify areas within the field in which
the sources of N should be managed the same, i.e. identification of N
management units. Nitrogen is the costliest single input and it is logical
to place high priority on developing criteria to identify N management
units. In addition, N applied in excess of crop requirements can contribute
to contamination of ground water and may be a source of nitrous oxide,
a greenhouse gas. Maps of the spatial variability in yield are being generated
by many farmers but information on yield does not provide indicators of
the maximum economic rate of fertilizer N required. Strips across fields
comparing yield response to 0 and full rates of N application can be used
to estimate the spatial variation in fertilizer N requirement along the
strip but supplementary measures are required to extrapolate the data
from these strips to the rest of the field. The hypothesis we propose
to test in this study is that management units can initially be defined
on the basis of the spatial distribution of organic carbon (OC) and that
in the zones of OC content that are greater than the stable carbon content,
supplementary information was required that would account for the spatial
variability in yield response to nitrogen.
WQ20 (SQ, AQ) Estimating N requirements in a variable landscape from
soil and climate data
Project Leader: Beverley Kay
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52484
bkay@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004
OASIS #: 25977
Abstract:
Mineralization of soil organic matter (including residues of previous
crops) provides a significant part of the supply of soil nitrogen (N)
that is used by the growing crop. Studies have shown that the spatial
variation in organic matter content can be correlated to the amount of
N mineralized across a landscape. However, these studies have also shown
that at some positions in the landscape, the variation in mineralization
between seasons due to weather can be as large or larger than the variation
across the landscape within a season. Although this means that the requirement
for supplementary N fertilizer is strongly dependent on landscape position,
weather and their interaction, these combined effects on fertilizer requirement
have received little attention to date.
The objective of the research will be to develop and assess a methodology
for predicting the amount of mineral N in the soil at the time of side-dressing
in variable landscapes. The prediction will be based on the spatial variation
in soil characteristics and antecedent weather conditions.
Data that has been collected will be used to identify the most effective
way of using weather variables. These procedures will then be used to
develop a multiple regression model that will relate pre-side-dress soil
N to soil characteristics and weather variables. The model will then be
extended through measurements on soils with a broader range of textures
in studies off station from 2003 to 2006 and the model tested against
an independent data set. If we can predict pre-side-dress-N content successfully
this information will enable farmers to make a more cost-effective decision
about fertilizer requirements under different weather conditions.
WQ21 Managing rural water supplies during drought conditions
Project Leaders:
Reid Kreutzwiser
Geography
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52174
reidk@uoguelph.ca
Rob de Loë
Geography
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4124 x53525
rdeloe@uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2005
OASIS #: 26087
Abstract:
Much uncertainty surrounds water supplies in Ontario, for agricultural
and other rural water users. This reflects several factors, including
increasing water demands among competing users, periodic dry spells which
further increase demands while reducing supplies, and questions about
the effectiveness of existing water allocation arrangements. The need
for drought preparedness has been recognized by the Province of Ontario,
which in 2001 implemented a plan for responding to low water levels. However,
important questions about this plan's ability to reduce water supply uncertainty
for agricultural and rural users need to be addressed.
This research responds to this need by examining temporal and spatial
trends in agricultural water use, and evaluating the prospects for effective
drought management in those areas in southern Ontario where agricultural
water use is high and/or increasing.
The research will proceed in two phases. In the first it will create
two major deliverables: (1) estimates, mapped at the township scale, of
changes in agricultural water use in southern Ontario between 1991, 1996
and 2001; and (2) an evaluation of drought management experience in the
Big Creek watershed (Township of Norfolk), one of the first areas to establish
a Water Response Team under the Province's drought plan. In the second,
the researchers will broaden their evaluation of the drought plan implementation
in selected watersheds where high and/or increasing agricultural water
use was identified in part one. The research will evaluate the potential
applicability of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to enhance
drought preparedness at the watershed and subwatershed scales.
WQ22 Quantifying Leaching of Nutrients and Bacteria and Amount of Preferential
Flow Under Different Management Practices
Project Leaders:
John Lauzon
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52459
jlauzon@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Bill Deen
Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53397
bdeen@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: I. O'Halloran, Ridgetown College and
G. Parkin, Land Resource Science
Project Duration: June 2002 - September 2005
OASIS #: SR9121
Abstract:
It is common knowledge that under certain soil conditions applied liquid
manure can enter the tile drainage system quickly (presumably through
preferential flow) and be transported to surface waters. Although this
has been known for some time the number of experiments, which have attempted
to measure this loss directly, are minimal. Desiccation cracks and earthworm
burrows of the bio-channel are in essence large pores that can transmit
liquids and the constituents in the liquids to tile drainage systems or
groundwater. The extent of desiccation cracking is typically greatest
in the late summer/ early fall when soil moisture contents tend to be
at the lowest levels and as such it is likely that the potential for preferential
flow losses will be greatest at this time period.
Disruption of the large pores by tillage is likely to reduce the potential
for preferential flow. Late summer manure application also allows for
a considerable amount of time for winter cover crop growth which may sequester
soil and manure N reducing the potential for fall and spring leaching
losses. Although the measurement of preferential flow and leaching losses
will be the major focus of this research, the relative denitrification
and volatilization losses will also be measured.
The project will compare the preferential flow and leaching losses of
nutrients and bacteria under fields amended with liquid manure in late
summer to early fall. Each plot will be situated above an existing tile
drain at the Elora research station. The tile drains will then be isolated
for each plot and a tile drain monitor will be installed to measure both
the volume of drain effluent and the concentration of N, P, and fecal
coliforms. The cost of the method of sampling dictates a limited number
of treatments. Only 5 treatments will be used including; a tillage component
(notill vs. conventional till with and without fall applied manure), and
a spring applied manure treatment.
This may lead to reduced leaching losses of nutrients and more efficient
use of the nutrient by the crop planted in the following spring. However,
the environmental impacts of applying manure in fall followed with planting
of a cover crop are not fully understood.
WQ 23 (SQ) A comparative study of the losses of nitrogen from various
forms of manure applied either in the fall or in the spring
Project Leader: John Lauzon
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52459
jlauzon@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: G. Parkin, Land Resource Science and
I. O'Halloran, Ridgetown College
Project Duration: June 2003 - September 2006
OASIS #: SR9134
Abstract:
In Ontario, a Nutrient Management Act was passed on June 27, 2002. The
intent of the act is to "enhance the protection of Ontario's water
resources by minimizing the effects of agricultural practices on the environment".
It establishes the requirement for Ontario producers to formulate nutrient
management plans (NMPs) based on standards/best management practices (BMPs).
A nitrogen index (N-index) is included as part of the regulations in
the nutrient management act. The N-index is based on the potential for
loss of N to the environment (primarily losses to ground water). Within
the N-index there are calculations related to how timing and type of manure
applied will influence the amount of loss of N. The values in the tables
are largely based on studies that considered the agronomic value of different
manures applied at different times in the year and did not necessarily
measure loss to the environment. To this end research is needed to confirm
or adjust the predicted N losses in the N-index. The objective of the
proposed research is to generate data that can be used to develop appropriate
standards for application timing of hog, beef, dairy, and poultry manure.
The study will examine the relative agronomic value of fall versus spring
applied manure N for four different types of manure. It will also assess
the impact of time of application and manure type on N losses as either
ammonia volatilization or nitrate leaching. Finally, it will gauge the
impact of pre-application tillage on manure N losses from late-summer
applied manures.
WQ24 Construction of recombinant antibodies for detection of Cryptosporidium
parvum
Project Leader: Hung Lee
Environmental Biology
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53828
hlee@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: J. Trevors, C. Hall, Environmental
Biology
Project Duration: May 2000 - April 2003
OASIS #: 25562
Abstract:
The enteric protozoan Cryptosporidium is a widely distributed pathogen
causing the gastrointestinal illness cryptosporidiosis in both humans
and several species of farm animals. Water is a common vehicle for transmission
of Cryptosporidium spp. In the past few years, several waterborne
outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have occurred in Ontario due to run-offs
from agricultural fields or human fecal contamination. Although different
species of the parasite exist, Cryptosporidium parvum appears to
be the most widely distributed and commonly implicated in clinical disease
outbreaks. Reliable detection of Cryptosporidium parvum is essential
for routine monitoring and prevention of cryptosporidiosis.
This project was a collaborative study that was designed to construct
recombinant antibodies against C. parvum. If successful, the researchers
will have available a ready source of cheap bacterial recombinant antibodies
that can be used for the specific, sensitive and effective detection of
C. parvum in environmental samples. At this point the project has
successfully immunized mice and generated combinational libraries of scFV
fragments from splenocytes of the immunized mice. Unfortunately, the project
has thus far been unsuccessful in selecting a suitable recombinant antibody
against C. parvum oocysts. Researchers plan to continue screening
for the recombinant antibody as it may ultimately lead to the safeguarding
of rural drinking water supply.
WQ25 Waste signaturing: Evaluating the utility of stable isotope ratios
for the identification of aquaculture effluent in the natural environment
Project Leader: Richard Moccia
Animal and Poultry Sciences
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56216
rmoccia@uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2005
OASIS #: 26053
Abstract:
Continued growth of Ontario's cage-aquaculture industry is constrained
by the need to manage, and sometimes mitigate, the environmental impacts
resulting from nutrient waste production from these farms. It is extremely
difficult to identify the source of impacts in a dynamic environment where
these nutrients are found naturally and can also be contributed to by
other anthropogenic inputs. One method that shows promise to validate
existing monitoring practices, assist in mitigation, and determine the
source of nutrients is the use of stable isotope ratios (SIRs) to define
an aquaculture 'waste signature'. Elements of biological interest such
as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen have two naturally occurring
isotopes. The ratio of heavy to light isotopes in a sample may be able
to specify the samples' origin. This approach has been successful in tracking
sewage through aquatic environments, but has only recently been considered
for aquaculture.
Ultimately, the use of stable isotopes to track net-pen nutrient loading
will require testing in the Great Lakes where most of the province's fish
production occurs. However, prior to initiating such large-scale field
trials, it is prudent to test the analytical success and the statistical
significance of isotopic ratios in a controlled laboratory setting. The
result of this research will dictate the approach to future trials in
the Great Lakes. The isotopic ratios of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur
will be determined in samples of fish feed, inflow, fecal mater and tank
effluent of cultured rainbow trout.
WQ26 Validation of operational modeling and monitoring (VOMM) of nutrient
outputs from cage-based aquaculture in the great lakes
Project Leader: Richard Moccia
Animal and Poultry Sciences
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56216
rmoccia@uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2000 - April 2003
OASIS #: 25320
Abstract:
Continued growth of Ontario's cage-aquaculture industry is constrained
by the need to manage, and sometimes mitigate, the environmental impacts
resulting from nutrient transport from these farms. Farmers, regulatory
agencies and special interest groups are demanding credible and quantitative
methods of monitoring this nutrient transport, so that farm production
practices can be sustainable over the long-term, by operating within the
assimilative capacity of the affected watershed. Currently, water quality
monitoring programs are expensive and do not permit either the quantification
of nutrient enrichment, or the prediction of deleterious eutrophication
effects. As a consequence, cage aquaculture operates in a tenuous and
sometimes volatile regulatory climate which can impact the success of
the farming system.
The aim was to develop credible, quantitative and predictive methods
of monitoring the nutrient transport from fish-farms in open water systems
in the Great Lakes. The key element of the study involved the validation
of innovative, continuous water quality monitoring technology, followed
by the integration of the monitoring results into a predictive computer
model. This 'predictive' model will help estimate expected nutrient loads
and transport from cage-aquaculture farms, and will provide the basis
for a rational, regulatory compliance system based on sound, empirical
observations. The information will also help predict the onset of eutrophic
and/or hypoxic events which are the key environmental effects which must
be avoided if aquaculture is to survive in the Great Lakes watershed.
Early warning systems such as these are necessary to avoid, rather than
require rehabilitation of, negative environmental effects.
WQ27 Neural networks for predicting nitrate - nitrogen in drainage water
Project Leader: Satish C Negi
School of Engineering
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52231
scnegi@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: R. Rudra, School of Engineering
Project Duration: May, 2001 - April, 2003
OASIS #: 25595
Abstract:
The potential for pollution of groundwater by nitrate from the use of
manure and fertilizers is a major concern in both Canada and the U.S.
A recent study of tile effluent from manured and fertilizer cornfields
near Ottawa indicated that a significant number of samples exceeded the
10 mg/l nitrate-nitrogen limit for drinking water. The information gathered
during the course of this study included details on soil, daily climate,
agricultural management practices, drain flow, nitrate concentration and
loss in tile effluent. The data will be used for training two artificial
neural networks (ANNs) to predict nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in subsurface
tile effluent. ANNs can learn from the relationship between input and
output from experiments and are capable of generalizations based on the
knowledge that has been gained. Two distinct types of ANNs will be evaluated:
(1) the trainable fast back-propagation (FBP) network, and (2) the self-organizing
radial basis function (RBF) network.
Using the algorithms of FBP and RBF networks, a software package comprising
of modules will be developed to reduce the network training time and increase
its flexibility. The available field data will be divided into training
and testing scenarios, with the training file consisting of seven inputs
and two outputs. A sensitivity analysis will be performed by varying the
network parameters to minimize the prediction error and determine the
optimum network configuration. The performance of the two networks will
be compared with that of a conventional model (DRAINMOD-N). The recommended
neural network can be used for assessing the impact of the practice of
nitrogen application, either from animal sources or fertilizer, on groundwater
quality.
WQ28 Assessing manure phosphorus bioavailability and potential for loss
Project Leader: Ivan O'Halloran
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1635
iohallo@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2005
OASIS #: 26046
Abstract:
Previously, manure applications to agricultural lands were based primarily,
if not entirely, on the nitrogen (N) requirements of the crop. The imbalance
between a crop plant's requirements for N, phosphorus (P) and potassium,
and the relative proportion of these elements in livestock manure results
in the potential for soil build up of phosphorus and potassium. Provincial
monitoring stations indicate that some 50% of Ontario's watersheds still
exceed the Provincial Water Quality Objectives for P. Non-point source
of pollution, both agricultural and urban, generally contribute between
70-90% of the total P load. Considerable effort has been placed on the
development of nutrient management plans for farmers that would address
public concerns regarding the production, storage and use of agricultural
nutrients.
An environmental risk assessment tool, the P index, was developed to
help producers identify potential problems and appropriate management
practices to reduce the risk of P transport from the field via overland
flow/erosion. Recent studies have indicated that aspects regarding manure
P not specifically addressed in the P index may play an important role
in determining the potential for P to move from a field or the subsequent
impact of manure applications on soil test P levels and plant P uptake.
This project deals with aspects of the P-index such as methods of manure
handling and analyses to determine the nutrient availability and potential
risk of loss of P contained in manure and the residual availability and
contribution of this manure-P to soil test P levels.
WQ29 Impact of management strategies to lower P excreted in manure on
the bioavailability of P in manure and manure-amended soils
Project Leader: Ivan O'Halloran
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1635
iohallo@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: M. Goss, Land Resource Science
Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2003
OASIS #: 25669
Abstract:
Provincial monitoring stations indicate that some 50% of Ontario's watersheds
exceed the Provincial Water Quality Objectives for P. The imbalance between
a crop plant's requirements for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and the
proportion of these elements in manures increase the potential for soil
P build up when manure applications are based only on N requirements.
The excess P in manure from monogastric animals (e.g. hogs) can be linked
to the fact that the dominant form of P in corn and other feed grains
is phytate-P, a form that is relatively unavailable to these animals.
Addition of mineral-P supplements to the animal's ration can also contribute
to higher manure P levels. Three possible methods to deal with this manure-P
problem involve the: i) use of low phytate feed sources, such as low phytate
corn; ii) addition of phytase enzymes to the ration which increases the
utilization of phytate-P by the animal; and iii) genetic modification
of the animal so it will produce it's own phytase enzyme (i.e. Enviropig).
The influence of these management strategies on manure P bioavailability
was compared to animals fed a normal feed ration, with and without a mineral
P supplement. Manure from animals fed a mineral P supplement had considerably
greater levels of total and readily available forms of P. Of the strategies
developed to improve the utilization of P in the feed by the animal, the
Enviropig produced the manure with the lowest total P contents. In addition,
compared to the non-transgenic pig fed the same diet, the Enviropig™
reduced the proportion of P found in the moderately available inorganic
and organic fractions, while increasing the amount of P found in very
resistant fractions. The implications of these changes in manure P fractionation
in terms of plant availability and risk of P movement after soil application
are still under study.
WQ30 Quantifying preferential flow and recharge at the field scale:
The first step in characterizing the nature and timing of pathogen transport
to groundwater
Project Leader: Gary Parkin
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52452
gparkin@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: October 2001 - October 2004
Project #: SR9084
Abstract:
In a recent survey of water wells in rural Ontario it was discovered that
approximately one-third were contaminated with coliform bacteria. A recent
Ontario study has shown that water flow through cracks and macropores
in soil can transport bacteria 100 metres or more from sources such as
septic systems and manure storage facilities. This research project will
quantify the amount of water that flows preferentially through soil on
an annual basis. It will document the seasons during the year when most
preferential flow occurs and how the amount of deep drainage is affected
by position on a sloping landscape and distance to tile drains. Innovative
methods will be used to measure the quantity of deep drainage that occurs
through macropores such as cracks and worm burrows in the soil. Automatic
tile flow and groundwater level monitors and water sampling systems will
be used to determine how much water reaches tile drains or the water table
preferentially during rain and snow melt events throughout the year. It
will also help to define during which season(s) drinking water wells will
be most susceptible to contamination from bacteria. Results from this
research will assist in determining where best on the landscape to install
instruments to measure the field-average recharge and potential leaching
losses of contaminants from agricultural sources. This is invaluable information
for groundwater protection schemes which can be of significant economic
benefit to Ontario.
WQ31 Quantifying influence of management practices, tile drainage on
soil chemical and moisture dynamics using non-intrusive geophysical methods
Project Leader: Gary Parkin
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52452
gparkin@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: R. Heck, Land Resource Science
Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2003
OASIS #: 25652
Abstract:
There is a need to develop and evaluate techniques for the identification,
assessment and control of significant sources of point and non-point source
pollution from the agri-food system to direct application of best management
practices. Fields with subsurface drainage tiles present a considerable
challenge for application of agricultural chemicals and organic wastes,
to minimize both leaching losses and subsequent contamination of waterways.
This arises from the variability introduced into the rate of water flow
through the soil and its impact on basic chemical processes. Detailed
geo-referenced surveys of soil electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility
(using a non-contacting magnetic induction probe) and soil moisture content
(using ground penetrating radar), offer a means of delineating soils within
agricultural fields according to water regime and, therefore, basic chemical
properties. In particular, measurement of the width of the zone of relatively
rapid drainage above a tile drain will be valuable information for designing
site specific management practices to reduce nutrient and pathogen losses
when spreading liquid manure on tile-drained fields.
This project aimed to evaluate basic soil moisture dynamics together
with key chemical characteristics of the soil, in relation to drainage
tiles that have been in place for about 30 years and a recent change in
management practice from tillage to no-tillage. Moisture flow, chemical
and pathogen transport through the soil is often via larger pores, therefore
analysis of the short-range spatial variations in chemical composition
of soils adjacent to macropores was also carried out on intact soil samples.
This information will be used to understand the delineations identified
with field geophysical instrumentation.
WQ32 Assessment of the waterborne pathogen abatement effects for agricultural
land uses
Project Leader: Ron Pushchak
Occupational and Public Health
Ryerson University
Toronto ON M5B 2K3
416-979-5000 x7049
pushchak@ryerson.ca
Collaborating Researchers: S. Liss, Faculty of Engineering and
Applied Science
Project Duration: July 2002 - June 2004
Project #: SR9118
Abstract:
This research examines the effects of nutrient management measures on
agriculturally generated pathogens, their survival and transport. These
measures, while not explicitly described as pathogen control actions,
raise the expectation that pathogen survival and transport will be reduced
if nutrient management regulations are put into practice. An understanding
of the measures and their effectiveness require a study with two elements.
The first is an investigation of the scientific bases for the current
nutrient management regulations in Ontario, with an examination of the
broader context of nutrient management policies in other jurisdictions
where agricultural practices make nutrient management regulations necessary.
The second is an analysis of the pathogen survival and transport outcomes
of the proposed regulations drawing on the scientific evidence available
for a number of indicator organisms.
The key features of the research include: i) a comprehensive review of
the nutrient and pathogen management policies and regulations applied
to agricultural operations in a number of jurisdictions; ii) an analysis
of the Ontario nutrient management regulations and their potential pathogen
control outcomes, and specifically, the likely survival and transport
of indicator pathogens in Ontario rural environments, assuming the implementation
of the regulations; iii) identification of potential limitations of the
regulations to control pathogens and a review of further measures that
agricultural operators of nutrient sources may take to reduce pathogen
exposure risks in surface and groundwaters; iv) training of research students
in the area of environmental health protection where the integration of
applied science and policy is becoming increasingly important.
WQ33 Development of watershed system capacity procedure for water quality
Project Leader: Ramesh Rudra
School of Engineering
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52110
rrudra@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: M. Goss, G. Parkin, Land Resource Science;
R. Corry, School of Environmental Design & Rural Development; P. Sibley,
Environmental Biology
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2005
OASIS #: 26028
Abstract:
This project will provide tools to develop water quality system capacity
(TMDL) to identify any impaired water bodies in the watershed, select
best management practice for improving the impairment and evaluate the
effect of climate change on the water quantity and quality. It will also
provide the geo-reference (location) of the pollutant sources (point and
non-point) and their relative contribution to the impairment of water
bodies in the watershed. A procedure for the selection of BMP's to improve
water quality under change in climatic scenarios will be developed. This
project will also provide an assembled database for the improvement of
watershed management tools and for future model improvement, BMP evaluation,
and MDL development. The project will help consultants involved in watershed
management and TMDL implementation policies. The beneficiaries will be
the agricultural (rural) community, land users, and other stakeholders
affected by the impact of agricultural land use activities on rural water
quality.
WQ34 Design tools for riparian vegetative filter strips incorporating
characteristics of the contributing watershed
Project Leader: Ramesh Rudra
School of Engineering
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52110
rrudra@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: M. Goss, G. Parkin, Land Resource Science;
P. Sibley, Environmental Biology and H. Whiteley, School of Engineering
Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003
OASIS #: 23870
Abstract:
In Ontario riparian buffer strips are recommended to protect and enhance
the quality of stream ecosystems in agricultural areas. The value of riparian
ecotones for enhancement of streams and as a valuable landscape element
in their own right has been examined extensively in general terms elsewhere
but data is lacking for Ontario, especially in establishing criteria for
optimum width and vegetative type for riparian buffers based on the soil,
land use and topographic characteristics of the contributing areas. The
design and performance of vegetative filter strips for treatment of runoff
from cropland depends on the quality of estimation of runoff, sediment
and nutrient loads from upland areas which is commonly done by application
of non-point source pollution models. A computer-based management tool
was developed for the design of vegetative filter strips based on the
characteristics of the upland contributing area. A practical management
tool for the design of vegetative strips was developed by combining an
existing agricultural non-point source pollution model, modified with
a vegetative filter strip model, for application in Ontario conditions.
Site specific recommendations for the width and type of vegetation in
the buffer strips will be made by application of the combined model.
WQ35 (AQ, SQ) Advanced manure management technologies for Ontario (AMMTO)
Project Manager: Richard St. Jean
(519) 886-7500 x225
rstjean@geomatrix.com
Project Duration: October 2001 - December 2003
Healthy Futures #: 2198
Abstract:
This project was initiated to develop a decision making process and tools
to be used by livestock producers and regulators to determine the viability,
capabilities and limitations of manure management systems and technologies
for Ontario livestock farms. The decision-making tools developed include:
a standard Manure Management Technology Information Request Form, an Economic
Evaluation Template, a Steps to Implement Database and an Evaluation Process.
The report will be available on the Internet so that it is accessible,
searchable and updateable for all producers and regulators.
WQ36 Removal efficiency of representative bacterial and protozoan pathogens
from cattle and pig farm wastewater using wetland technologies
Project Leaders:
Robin Slawson
Department of Civil
Engineering
University of Waterloo
Waterloo ON N2L 3G1
Barry Warner
Department of Civil
Engineering
University of Waterloo
Waterloo ON N2L 3G1
bwarner@waterserv1.uwaterloo.ca
Project Duration: January 2002 - December 2004
Project #: SR9070
Abstract:
Wetland technology is emerging as a cost-effective and environmentally
friendly option for treating wastewater and improving water quality. Organic-rich
agricultural wastewater has been shown to be well suited to treatment
by wetland technology. The ability of wetland technologies to remove pathogens
from agricultural wastewater is less well known, although research on
the removal of pathogens from domestic wastewater by wetlands gas been
shown to be effective.
This project aims to monitor the wetland removal efficiency for pathogenic
enteric bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter),
and protozoa (Crytosporidium) in representative subsurface flow
treatment wetlands systems on a cattle and on a pig farm in southwestern
Ontario.
The primary objective of this project is to characterize the spatial
distribution and year round temporal variability of pathogenic enteric
bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter),
and protozoa (Crytosporidium) on soil particles, in the soil water
and on the plant roots (rhizosphere). Wastewater from a pig farm versus
a cattle farm will be compared for efficiency of the wetland to remove
these pathogens. A network of sampling points, both shallow and deep,
will be setup in each of the wetland cells operating at each of the farm
sites. Monthly sampling will be undertaken. This two-level factorial design
will aid in assessing the significance of plant root material in microbial
establishment and pathogen removal, as well as the influence of seasonal
temperature on the population development.
This project will contribute data that will aid in our understanding
of the removal efficiency of pathogens by wetland technologies that will
assist in the refinement and parameterization of improved wetland designs
in the future. Further, it is hoped that this work will contribute to
greater understanding and acceptance of wetland technologies as a viable,
inexpensive, and "green" wastewater treatment option, in particular
for pathogen removal, in the agricultural community. This work will have
considerable economic benefit by contributing to effective low-cost wastewater
treatment alternatives to current BMPs and for watershed and source water
protection for farmers and rural residents.
WQ37 DNA fingerprinting analysis of Escherichia coli using repetitive
element and toxin specific gene amplification to differentiate pollution
sources in the environment
Project Leader: Michele Van Dyke
GAP EnviroMicrobial Services
1020 Hargrieve Road, Unit 14
London, ON, N6E 1P5
519-681-0571
mvandyke@gapenviromic.com
Collaborating Researchers: A. Scott, University of Guelph and
J. Crawford, GAP EnviroMicrobial Services
Project Duration: May 2001 - August 2002
Project #: SR9071
Abstract:
The presence of pathogenic bacteria in potable, agricultural and recreational
water supplies can have serious consequences. To effectively control inappropriate
releases of fecal waste to the environment, methods to determine the point
source of origin should be available.
Escherichia coli is a useful indicator of fecal contamination.
The researchers have used this strain together with methods for subspecies
analysis. In this project, the researchers attempted to determine if individual
subspecies of E. coli could be traced to a specific type of animal
host. The analysis could then be used to differentiate between point sources
of origin of fecal waste.
A number of methods are available for subspecies analysis but molecular
biological methods showed the greatest promise. Molecular methods are
able to distinguish between closely related bacteria by producing DNA
patterns or fingerprints that are specific for individual strains. Often
one method alone does not produce sufficient complexity to allow animal
sources to be identified. For this reason, the researchers used a combination
of methods.
The methods researchers used for this analysis included, DNA amplification
of repetitive-element sequences (rep-PCR) and amplification of specific
toxin genes. Each of these methods has shown promise in differentiating
between E. coli strains. Preliminary research suggested that individual
methods may be able to distinguish between animal sources of origin.
Results of this project produced a statistical analysis of banding patterns
produced from E. coli strains. The analysis showed that there was
poor separation when grouped by individual host animals. Using the group
violations analysis, it was found that there was a large amount of overlap
between the groups. It was concluded that the group separation values
were not sufficiently high to allow sensitive discrimination of an animal
host. Rep-PCR analysis was also performed on 50 Ent. faecium isolates
from different sources. The ability of Rep-PCR to assign Ent. faecium
isolates to individual animal sources was poor. However, the category
separation of animals versus birds was high, resulting in values of 78
and 77%, respectively. Overall, researchers found that E. coli
contamination could be successfully tracked from the point of origin through
different watershed systems (from site studies). This analysis showed
that there is potential for using Rep-PCR fingerprinting techniques in
defined environments where access to potential sources is available
WQ38 (SQ) Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions during storage, treatment
and land application of animal manure
Project Leader: Claudia Wagner - Riddle
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52787
criddle@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: R. Fleming, Ridgetown College; P. Voroney,
J. Warland, Land Resource Science; H. Zhou, School of Engineering and
C. Chong, Plant Agriculture
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2007
OASIS #: 26075
Abstract:
Current knowledge of non-hazardous organic waste handling systems presents
a gap in the understanding of the gaseous losses that can occur during
storage, treatment and during field application. The nutrient value of
the wastes for plant production and their benefits to soil can be decreased
substantially due to gaseous losses during any of these handling stages.
The environment also is affected by these losses, since they can occur
as greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change, and as ammonia,
which contributes to eutrophication and soil acidification of natural
ecosystems. This project will quantify gaseous losses from enhanced organic
waste handling systems used for treatment of liquid swine and liquid dairy
cattle manures, aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion, compared to
storage and direct land application. The gases to be monitored are: CO2,
CH4, N2O, NH3 and N2. Initial
experiments will optimize parameters controlling the aerobic composting
and anaerobic digestion processes to minimize greenhouse gas production
and maximize NH3 retention. Enriched 15N tracer techniques
of gaseous products will be used to identify and quantify each of the
forms of manure N lost during storage, treatment and land application.
A micrometeorological mass balance method will be used during field experiments
set-up to monitor losses in-situ using tunable diode laser trace
gas analyzers for gas concentration measurements. The results of this
project will contribute to the environmental impact assessment of organic
waste handling systems, and will provide information on how to manage
these wastes to maximize their nutrient value for crop production and
to soil quality.
WQ39 (AQ) Best management practices for field crops: mitigation of greenhouse
gases and adaptation to climate change
Project Leader: Claudia Wagner - Riddle
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52787
criddle@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: J. Warland, G. Parkin and T. Gillespie,
Land Resource Science
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004
OASIS #: 26076
Abstract:
Adoption of BMPs has the potential to lead to carbon reduction credits,
and can present other co-benefits such as improved water quality and conservation,
uptake of air pollutants, and higher economic returns, through increased
nitrogen and water use efficiency. Quantification of the benefits incurred
from adoption of BMPs requires long-term monitoring of the combined effects
of management strategies upon the carbon, nitrogen, water and energy budgets.
The research will compare the water and nitrogen use efficiencies of a
corn/soybean/wheat rotation under BMPs in comparison to conventional practices.
This experiment will increase our understanding of the performance of
BMPs under a range of weather conditions. Treatments will include inorganic
N fertilizer and dairy manure applications, according to soil N test (BMP)
and recommended rates (CP). Environmental losses in the form of NO3-
leaching, gaseous N2O, NH3 and NOx will
be monitored, and compared to total N losses as determined by the use
of N tracers. Monitoring of the water and energy budgets will allow for
determination of the water use of BMPs versus conventional practices,
addressing the current need for research on climate change adaptation.
WQ40 Identification of critical regions for water quality monitoring
with respect to risk of seasonal and annual water surplus
Project Leader: Claudia Wagner-Riddle
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52787
criddle@lrs.uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researcher: G. Parkin, Land Resource Science
Project Duration: May 2001 - May 2003
OASIS #: SR9083
Abstract:
Surplus water is the component of precipitation that runs off the land
surface and that drains through the soil profile to the ground water table.
This project assessed the risk of occurrence of surplus water in two Ontario
climate regions with contrasting winter precipitation regimes. The two
regions to be studied were- (1) the snowbelt region east of Lake Huron,
e.g. Walkerton, where there is a high risk of surplus water; and (2) the
Rainy River district, where there is much less winter precipitation. The
study added to a recent evaluation of surplus water for Harrow, Guelph,
Ottawa, and Kapuskasing regions. A one-dimensional, deterministic model
was used that simulates water flux into the soil, run-off, and includes
plant uptake of water, evapotranspiration, and freeze-thaw conditions.
The model was applied to historical, daily climate data collected over
the last 30 to 40 years at one or more weather stations in each of the
two regions. The climate data was assembled from the Environment Canada
archives and any missing data was obtained from surrounding weather recording
stations to establish a complete set of daily climate data for input into
the model.
It is anticipated that the guidelines/legislation that are being developed
for application of animal wastes and sewage sludge may have to take into
consideration the risk of occurrence of water surplus events in the different
climate regions of Ontario. This project should provide information on
the different risk levels for these regions, and perhaps for different
soil landscapes within each region.
WQ41 Phosphorus index validation and refinement for nutrient management
planning in Ontario
Project Leader: Greg Wall
The Soil Resource Group
Guelph ON N1H 6T9
519-837-1600
Project Duration: June 2002 - June 2004
Project #: SR9122
Abstract:
Nutrient management planning and implementation facilitates optimum use
of fertilizer and manure nutrients for crop production while reducing
potential impacts on environmental quality. In Ontario, the OMAF-NMAN
series of nutrient management computer programs have been developed to
assist producers in preparing nutrient plans. The Phosphorus (P) Index
has been incorporated into the NMAN program to: rank risk of water contamination,
set restrictions on P application rates and determine the distance that
P applications must be set back from water courses. Ontario's P index
was adapted from the procedure described by Lemunyon and Gilbert (1993)
for the USA. The coefficient in the index has not yet been calibrated
or validated against actual water quality data in Ontario. Recent research
in the USA to improve P indexing procedures has proposed both additional
coefficients and revised weighting of coefficients.
The results of the study will provide a scientifically defensible P index
for the planned provincial nutrient management program. Producers will
benefit from a P indexing procedure that offers greater flexibility managing
manure and fertilizer nutrients.
The specific objective of this study is to provide a science-based validation
of the Ontario P index with measured soil P and water quality (TP and
DP) data. Further, alternative coefficients or weightings of coefficients
for P indexing found in recent or ongoing research will be evaluated for
use in the Ontario NMP procedure.
Study data will be used to validate the Ontario P index being used in
the NMAN nutrient management program and recommend modifications in coefficient
weightings that are supported by the database. Further, the database will
be used to evaluate new coefficients and coefficient weighting schemes
that are being proposed in ongoing research on P indexing in the USA.
Expected outcomes of the study are a revised P indexing procedure that
reflects the current state of knowledge and that has been validated with
Ontario water quality data.
WQ42 Protecting water quality through improved storage methods for poultry
manure
Project Leaders:
Greg Wall
Soil Resource Group
Guelph ON NIH 6T9
519-837-1600
gwall@agtest.com
Don King
Soil Resource Group
Guelph ON N1H 6T9
519-834-1600
Collaborating Researchers: H. Fraser, OMAF and D. Nodwell, Poultry
Industry Council
Project Duration: July 2000 - July 2002
Healthy Futures #: 2059
Abstract:
This two year applied research project quantified liquid runoff volumes
from dry poultry manure (>50% dry matter) stored outside and used in
agricultural crop production, and assessed its quality and risk to the
environment under a variety of conditions in a replicated experimental
procedure. Recommendations were developed for cost-effective, practical
methods that both satisfy the needs of producers, while protecting the
environment and rural public. Chicken broiler (straw and shavings bedding)
and Tom turkey manure (shavings bedding) were selected for study in on-farm
situations.
Stockpiles were monitored over winter (October to April) and summer (June
to September) storage periods. Runoff quantity and quality were measured
from rainfall events over the storage period. Runoff events at the start
and end of the storage period were created with a rainfall simulator that
generated rainfall events ranging from a 2 to 200 year return-period storm.
Variable conditions of the pile at the commencement of rainfall were tested,
including dry and damp piles under warm and cool conditions.
Monitoring included runoff volume and quality (nutrients and bacteria),
pile temperature, pile settling, nutrient and moisture content.
Runoff from stockpiled poultry manure was generated in summer and winter
storage periods from small rainfall events (< 5-yr return period storm).
While runoff volumes were low, the nutrient and bacteria concentrations
in the runoff were high relative to water quality standards. Direct seepage
beneath poultry piles was not generated within a single season storage
period. Remedial practices that keep stockpiled poultry manure dry or
retain any runoff on-site are therefore warranted to minimize potential
impacts of runoff on surface or subsurface water quality. Pile temperature
observations suggest that the risk of combustion (fires) can be minimized
by keeping the stockpiled manure dry or avoiding stockpiling dry material
on top of wet manure material. Several temporary cost-effective remedial
practices including: pile shaping methods, tarp covering options, an absorbent
ring or berming around piles were demonstrated to reduce runoff and improve
water quality.
WQ43 Economic analysis of conservation cover programs and best management
practices
Project Leader: Alfons Weersink
Agricultural Economics & Business
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53532
aweersin@uoguelph.ca
Collaborating Researchers: G. Fox, Agriculture Economics &
Business and W. Yang, Geography
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2007
OASIS #: 26023
Abstract:
Growing concern about the adverse environmental effects of agriculture
has led to calls for the establishment of conservation stewardship programs
in Canada. Programs such as the Greencover program and the Rural Water
Quality Program could generate environmental and economic benefits to
our society that outweigh the program costs (Belcher, et al., 2002). However,
given limited government budgets and the heterogeneity of eligible land
parcels, an important policy question is how to target land (or practices)
selectively in order to maximize program benefits and minimize program
costs.
A framework that combines economic, hydrologic and GIS modeling will
be developed to examine cost-effective targeting of conservation cover
programs and best management practices in agricultural watersheds. Within
the framework, farm-level economic models will be constructed to quantify
the costs of implementing conservation practices. A hydrologic model will
be used to estimate water quality benefits that could be achieved through
implementing conserving practices. A GIS-based mathematical modeling system
will be used to integrate economic and environmental data and to simulate
targeting scenarios. The framework will be applied to several representative
watersheds in Ontario starting with the Canagagigue subwatershed in the
Grand River Basin.
WQ 44 Use of chemical chelation and membrane filtration technologies
to control phosphorus release from recirculation aquaculture systems.
Project Leader: H. Zhou
School of Engineering
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56990
hzhou@uoguelph.ca
Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004
OASIS #: 26105
Abstract:
Due to growing environmental concerns over water quality impacts, limited
availability of water resources, increased costs of effluent treatment
and monitoring, and a trend towards production of warmer-water fish species
in Ontario, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are increasingly being
employed by the provincial aquaculture industry. However, elevated fish
densities in a limited aquatic space, coupled with a very high percentage
reuse of the water supply, leads to a more severe deterioration of the
final effluent discharge water quality than occurs in more conventional,
'flowthrough' types of systems. Some of the reported problems include
elevated concentrations of suspended solids (SS), total phosphorous (TP)
and nitrogen (N), as well as other organic materials. In particular, phosphorus
levels greatly exceed the enforced regulatory limit for effluent discharge,
creating environmental compliance problems because although the total
volumes of waste-water are greatly reduced, the absolute concentrations
of nutrients can be very high. As a consequence, RAS technologies can
create regulatory issues with effluent chemical quality, preventing compliance
with the 'Certificate of Approval', the current legal instrument in Ontario
controlling wastewater discharge from most land-based fish farms. Hence,
effective treatment required to maintain high water quality for fish production,
as well as to meet the standard of strict environmental regulations becomes
critical for the future growth of aquaculture industry.
The aim of this project is to investigate the effectiveness of combining
hybrid membrane filter technologies with chemical chelation for effecting
phosphorus removal, in order to achieve regulatory compliance of the final
effluent discharges from RAS aquaculture systems.
The primary benefit of this research is that it may assist with the regulatory
compliancy of RAS technologies, and allow their increased integration
into the industry in Ontario. The results of this research may provide
the aquaculture industry with a more efficient, cost effective wastewater
treatment technology based on membrane and chelation technologies. As
well, the limitations, design guidelines and operating protocols of their
applications will be summarized. As recirculating aquaculture systems
become increasingly important to the future growth of industry, development
of new membrane technologies will not only improve the fish production,
but also reduce wastewater generation via water reuse.
As well, this study will also provide a better understanding of membrane
fouling mechanisms when used for aquaculture wastewater treatment. At
present, little information is available about the physico-chemical and
biological interactions underlying membrane fouling.
The project will build on ongoing research efforts using the membrane
filtration technologies for municipal wastewater treatment. None of them
is directed to the treatment of effluent from the aquaculture industry.
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