The PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture has issued a new report on Water Farming: Managing Agricultural Lands For Clean & Safe Water.

The report examines both the challenges and opportunities agriculture offers for improving water quality and, in turn, human and environmental health.

It also explores why implementing sustainable farming practices—like planting cover crops, rotational grazing livestock, and maintaining riparian buffers—is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective solutions available for alleviating water pollution.

By understanding the connections between specific farming practices and water quality and quantity, farmers, communities, and government agencies can more effectively work together to nurture a cleaner, more abundant water supply and a healthier, more secure food system.

Pennsylvania farmers are responsible for managing over 7 million acres—nearly a full quarter of the state’s 29 million acres.

Per dollar spent, improving agricultural practices is one of our best investments toward clean and safe water.

The costs associated with reducing nitrogen pollution in water vary depending on the source, but the basic range of dollars spent per pound of nitrogen reduced is only $1.20 to $11 when addressed through agricultural conservation practices.

Comparatively, the range of dollars spent per pound of nitrogen reduced by means of improving and expanding wastewater treatment ranges from $8.56 to $79; improving airborne emission controls ranges from $75 to $132; and implementing urban and suburban stormwater retrofit best management practices ranges from $90 to $500.

In short, farms have the potential to have the greatest impact on water quality per dollar spent.

Click Here to read the entire report and the case studies it includes.

For more information on programs, initiatives, educational opportunities and research, visit the PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture website.

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[Posted: August 5, 2020]

8/10/2020