Non Technical Summary
Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding in East Tennessee, impacting agricultural lands and water resources. Floodwaters deposited significant amounts of sediment on crops and surrounding areas, which may affect soil health, water quality, and agroecosystem management. This project aims to understand the impacts of Hurricane Helene flooding on agricultural soils and water resources used for irrigation. By working closely with local producers and Extension agents, we will collect sediment samples from affected farms to analyze soil texture, pH, trace metals, and microbial contamination. Additionally, water samples will be taken from nearby surface waters to assess potential contamination risks to the public and to crops grown, as surface waters in this region are commonly used for recreation but also for irrigation purposes.Overall, the goal of this project is to provide farmers with the tools and knowledge to safely manage their fields and water resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thereby improving both crop recovery and long-term agroecosystem resiliency. Ultimately, the project will guide better flood recovery practices and improve the resilience of agricultural systems to future extreme weather events.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
807	0110	3100	70%
807	0210	3100	30%

Knowledge Area
807 - Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery;

Subject Of Investigation
0110 - Soil; 0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
3100 - Management;

Goals / Objectives
The primary goal of this integrated project is to assess and mitigate the long-term impacts of Hurricane Helene's floodwaters on East Tennessee's agricultural lands, with a particular focus on the resilience of agroecosystems impacted by the storm, the food security of agricultural commodities, and the public health concerns arising from compromised surface waters used for irrigation. By addressing the contaminants in flood deposits and nearby surface waters, we aim to provide critical data that will guide local producers and Extension agents in managing the aftermath of the disaster, ensuring food safety and public health, and supporting the recovery of agricultural systems essential to regional food security.To address this overarching goal, our objectives are to:Provide local Extension offices and agents in Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, and Washington counties in Tennessee with information about the magnitude and persistence of potential contaminants (microbial pathogens and heavy metals) in flood deposits on agricultural farmlands and from nearby surface waters.Assess and communicate Hurricane Helene disaster implications for agricultural soil health and surface water use in affected regions over the coming months and seasons.Collaborate with local agricultural producers to develop strategies for managing soil health and water quality post-Helene.

Project Methods
This study aims to assess the impact of Hurricane Helene's floodwaters on agricultural lands in East Tennessee, focusing on sediment deposits, water quality, and microbial contamination. The project will employ a combination of field sampling, laboratory analysis, and community outreach to provide actionable recommendations for farmers and Extension agents.Site Selection and Sample CollectionEight agricultural fields, representing a range of crops (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, corn, tobacco), in East Tennessee will be assessed for Hurricane Helene impacts. Soil profiles from these fields and nearby surface water samples used for irrigation will be collected to quantify flood-related contamination.Flood Deposit and Soil CharacterizationAt each selected field, transects of sediment cores will be extracted to assess soil health. Key measurements include soil texture, pH, and trace metal concentrations. These analyses will be conducted following EPA guidelines and soil health will be gauged based on crop growth requirements.Water CharacterizationWater quality will be assessed by measuring key physicochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) at the surface water sampling sites. Additionally, grab samples will be collected for laboratory analyses of major nutrients and trace metals. The analysis will evaluate potential contamination from floodwaters, focusing on the long-term impact of sediments on irrigation water quality.Microbial CharacterizationTo examine microbial contamination, soil and water samples will be tested for coliforms and E. coli using Petrifilm plate methods. Sediment and water samples will undergo DNA extraction for microbiome analysis, with a focus on livestock- and human-associated pathogens using qPCR.Data Analysis and InterpretationResults from sediment, water, and microbial analyses will be integrated to evaluate the long-term impact of floodwater contamination on soil and water quality. Microbial concentrations in surface waters will be compared to historical data collected by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to identify patterns in contamination and potential pathogenic risks. The data will also be used to assess the implications for crop productivity and water safety for irrigation.Communication and OutreachThroughout the project, regular workshops and educational materials will be provided to Extension agents, farmers, and other stakeholders in the affected counties. These materials will cover topics such as flood sediment properties, microbial contamination, and water quality management. Community workshops will also provide farmers with timely recommendations for managing soil health, irrigation safety, and crop recovery strategies in the aftermath of flooding. By engaging directly with producers and gathering feedback, the project will tailor its findings to address specific local needs, promoting resilience in the face of future extreme weather events.