| The following Best Management Practices
have been developed to maintain the water quality of our State, while still
recognizing the producer’s need to make a profit. These practices are voluntary,
and the success of this approach is dependent on their actual use and promotion
by agricultural producers and the general public. In every case, both city-dwelling
and rural land managers should select those BMP items most applicable to
their particular operation.
1.0 Best Management Practices for Irrigation Water
Management
The use of BMPs can help increase the efficiency and
uniformity of irrigation water application and reduce potential contamination
of water resources. Because each agricultural operation is unique, producers
will need to evaluate their own situation and irrigation system to determine
the applicability of these BMPs.
2.0 Best Management Practices for Confined Animal Feeding
Confined animal feeding operators must ensure that there
is no discharge of manure or wastewater into waters of the State. The BMPs
that follow provide guidance for controlling runoff, wastewater and manure
discharges to watercourses, as well as practices that will help to protect
ground water.
3.0 Best Management Practices for Manure & Organic
Waste Utilization and Storage
Manure storage and utilization, if properly managed,
can be a major resource that helps reduce the need for commercial fertilizers.
Properly applied, manure can help maximize most crops’ yield potential,
assuming that other growth requirements have been met. |
5.0 Best Management Practices for Phosphorus
Fertilizer Management
Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth.
Phosphorus fertilizer use efficiency in agricultural soils can be enhanced
or reduced by fertilizer placement, timing, and rate. Proper management
of fertilizer, manure and soil is essential to prevent agricultural phosphorus
from degrading water quality.
6.0 Best Management Practices for Pasture and
Riparian Area Management
Pasture managers must understand the growth requirements
of forages and the necessary management needed to maintain a healthy plant
community. Healthy riparian areas provide stable stream banks that help
reduce flood damage, decrease soil erosion, protect water quality, and
maintain stream flows and water temperature. Selecting the appropriate
BMP guidelines will help ensure maximized forage production, while minimizing
potential nonpoint source pollution.
7.0 Best Management Practices for Pesticide Use &
Pest Control
Pesticides are important tools that can be used to protect
crops and livestock from losses due to insects, weeds, and diseases. Livestock
health and crop yields can generally be enhanced by the proper use of pesticides.
However, improper use has the potential to contaminate ground and surface
water.
The BMPs that follow have been developed specifically
for the Uncompahgre Valley in order to minimize potential nonpoint source
pollution to waters of the State. |
