Source: TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION submitted to
THE SOUTHERN REGION WATER RESOURCE PROJECT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0215764
Grant No.
2008-51130-19537
Project No.
TEXN-0031
Proposal No.
2010-03605
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
110.B
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2008
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2013
Grant Year
2010
Project Director
McFarland, M. L.
Recipient Organization
TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
(N/A)
COLLEGE STATION,TX 77843
Performing Department
SOIL & CROP SCIENCES
Non Technical Summary
Water quality and water quantity are interrelated, high-priority issues throughout the Southern Region. Although unique regional characteristics and local edaphic and climatological factors are important, basic common causes of water quality impairment and water resource depletion exist throughout the region and across the country. These common drivers and the related multi-state programming needs serve as the basis and impetus for this project. The primary goal of the project is to promote regional coordination to effectively and more efficiently allocate and target research, education and extension resources for identification, management, and resolution of water quality and quantity problems. The Southern Region Water Resource Project (SRWRP) expands and strengthens an existing collaborative process through which new and existing technologies and management systems can be developed, shared and implemented throughout the region and nation. Most importantly, it provides a means for channeling and leveraging technical and financial resources to more effectively address critical water quality and interrelated water quantity issues.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
11203992050100%
Knowledge Area
112 - Watershed Protection and Management;

Subject Of Investigation
0399 - Watersheds and river basins, general;

Field Of Science
2050 - Hydrology;
Goals / Objectives
The Southern Region Water Resource Project will expand and strengthen an existing collaborative process through which new and existing technologies and management systems can be developed, shared and implemented throughout the region and nation. Most importantly, it will provide a means for channeling and leveraging technical and financial resources to more effectively address critical water quality and interrelated water quantity issues. Primary objectives of this project are, Objective 1: Support ongoing efforts of the regional coordinating committee to conduct program planning and communication, define and prioritize research and educational needs, identify expertise of contributing institutions, and facilitate resource sharing and technology transfer among institutions and with other federal and state agencies, organizations and stakeholders. Objective 2: Develop and deliver high impact multi-state and regional programs that apply the best available science in water resource management through facilitation of seven Regional Program Teams established to integrate research, education, and extension, share information and resources, minimize duplication of effort, strengthen and initiate new partnerships, and leverage multiple funding sources to address critical water resource issues. Objective 3: Maintain and expand the watershed-based central database management system to serve as the repository for regional water quality information and resources, provide direct linkages to other regional and national database systems, and conduct coordinated needs and impact assessments regarding regional issues and programs. Objective 4: Support the CSREES National Integrated Water Program by linking with and supporting other CSREES programs and initiatives, providing leadership for the organization and management of the CSREES National Water Program Conference, coordinating the development of resources for national program marketing, and by actively participating on the Committee for Shared Leadership for Water Quality.
Project Methods
Methods for Objective 1: The Southern Region Water Quality Planning Committee composed of designated Water Quality Coordinators from 1862 and 1890 land grant institutions serves as the Regional Coordinating Committee and provides centralized coordination and networking both internally and with other regional water resources management programs. The Committee also promotes technology development and exchange, and foster collaborative, multi-state and multi-disciplinary efforts to more effectively and efficiently address common issues and concerns. This Committee has both the authority and the capability to carry out this objective due to its longstanding activity as the Southern Region Water Quality Planning Committee and its endorsement by Deans, Directors, and Administrators. Methods for Objective 2: The central focus of the project is facilitation and support of Regional Program Teams to identify and prioritize issues, develop science-based resources, and conduct multi-state and regional activities to address critical needs. The leadership for each Program Team includes at least one Institution Coordinator to ensure continuity with overall program objectives, personnel from all other participating institutions, as well as personnel representing key external partners. Program Teams are charged with conducting regional level strategic planning with partner agencies and stakeholders to identify needs, accumulate research, education and outreach resources, and facilitate the implementation of coordinated multi-state and regional programs. Initial program teams include Nutrient Management, Animal Waste Management, Irrigation Water Management, Drinking Water and Rural Urban Interface Education, Water Policy and Economics, Watershed Assessment and Modeling, and Watershed Education and Restoration. Methods for Objective 3: Maintain and work to enhance the interactive, web-based information and reporting system at TAMU to manage information and resources identified and developed by states and Program Teams, including applicable research data and reports, publications, education and training resources, and websites. Methods for Objective 4: The Southern Region provides support to the CSREES National Integrated Water Program by assuming responsibility for key tasks that provide benefit and enhance overall national program success, and by continuing to participate actively on the Committee for Shared Leadership for Water Quality (CSL-WQ). Primary tasks will include leading planning and management of the annual CSREES National Integrated Water Program Conference, leading development of the annual impact report for the National Water Program, and participation on the CSL-WQ.

Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Urban and rural residents, including youth and adults,in the 13 states of USEPA Regions IV and VI were the target audience for this project. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? TheWatershed RestorationTeam coordinated 8 regional workshops attended by 220 Extension Agents and partners learning about effective watershed education. The NCSU Extension team also coordinated and instructed 28 technical workshops and 3 conferences on stream restoration attended by over 2,200 professionals throughout the Southern Region and neighboring states. NCSU Extension Associates and Agents provided technical and educational support for implementing 24 demonstration projects and conducting 15 field-based workshops highlighting watershed restoration techniques in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Kentucky.The Watershed Academy conducted three multi-state trainingsas part of a regionalspecial project: 1) Chattanooga, TN Watershed Academy June 26-28 (45 participants), 2) Talequah, OK Riparian Vegetation and Restoration Workshop March 19-20 (50 participants), and 2) Midwest, OK Watershed Academy April 9-10, 2013 (40 participants). The ACES Water Program continues to conduct watershed education and restoration workshops throughout Alabama and in partnership with other states: 1)Urban Stream Restoration, Auburn, AL March 13-14, 2013 (35 participants), Urban Stream Restoration Tour Phenix City, AL March 12, 2013 (15 participants).The ACES Water Program assisted with the planning and implementation of 6 ‘Environmental Stewardship Clinics’ that were supported through an Alabama Department of Environmental Management Section 319 nonpoint source program grant to the Cherokee County ACES office. These 6 clinics provided topics that ranged from watershed education, forage quality, riparian buffers, soil quality, rainwater harvesting, and nutrient management to 25 farmers and non-farmers in the Mud and Spring Creek watersheds in northeast Alabama. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated through a wide range of outlet methods including journal publications, fact sheets, training manuals, videos, websites, regional bulletins, news releases, radio, webinars, conferences, and hundreds of face-to-face education and training events, etc. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Project PIs and team members conducted local, state, and regional programsto achieve project goals. Key program efforts included: TheRestoration Program Team coordinated 8 regional workshops attended by 220 Extension Agents and partners learning about effective watershed education. TheNCSU-led teamcoordinated and instructed 28 technical workshops and 3 conferences on stream restoration attended by over 2,200 professionals throughout the Southern Region and neighboring states. NCSU Extension Associates and Agents provided technical and educational support for implementing 24 demonstration projects and conducting 15 field-based workshops highlighting watershed restoration techniques in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Kentucky.NCSU served as co-leader for the Nutrient Management Program Team and provided science-based research results on slow-release fertilizers and nitrogen transformation inhibitors,resulting in development ofa Southern Cooperative Extension bulletin. The Drinking Water Human Health Team coordinated the development of apublication series in the Journal of NaturalSciences Education highlighting a joint NIFA/LGU nationwide survey of water issues,with three publications focused on the Southern Region.Water conservation demonstration sites wereestablished to show the public howwater conservation techniques can be implemented around any household. Working with the Urban Interface Team,a multi-state specialprojectdeveloped demonstration sitesin each statewithin communities, or traveling displays for use at Agricultural field days.The demonstration programs combined with the 40 Gallon Challenge to save millions of gallons of water throughcitizen pledges to changewater usage habits. The Watershed Education Teamcoordinated the Watershed Stewards Program and worked withother states, includingMissouri, Arkansas and New Jersey on development of similar programs.A total of 9 workshops were delivered to 384 participants representing city and county officials, small business owners, landowners, teachers, homeowners, state and federal agency personnel, and other watershed residents. Total contact hoursexceeded 2,695;pre/post testingshowed knowledge increases averaged 31%;six-month post surveys indicate76% of participants have adopted BMPs to help protect their watershed and84% of participants have used thetraining materials since attending a workshop. Approximately 2.7 million water resources educational impacts were recorded in South Carolina, including 2,641,464 through indirect outreach methods and 92,187 through direct outreach methods; 15 permanent learning exhibits were created across the state, including a makeover of the Carolina Yard at the Exchange Park in Ladson, SC. These sites were visited by over 64,000 individuals and provide an important opportunity to learn about stormwater best management practices. Public involvement opportunities including rain garden installations, storm drain marking, litter sweeps, oyster reef construction and rain barrel installations reached over 14,000 individuals during this reporting period.A total of 767 Construction Site Inspector jobs were supported through Clemson’s Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector Program.Over $3.6 million in salaries and wages were supported through Clemson’s Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector Program.The Carolina Clear program partnered with over 110 municipal and county governments, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizen groups to help protect the approximately 35,000 miles of freshwater rivers, streams and swamps in South Carolina. The Oklahoma 4-H programpartneredwith local agencies toimplement water conservation demonstration sites around the state andimplement the 40 Gallon Challenge. 4-H youth and county educatorspartnered with community organizations such as the master gardeners todevelopconservation displaysand educational programs. For example, in Haskell Countya rain garden / sand cistern along with a solar powered pump were installed to provide water to nearby landscape beds. As part of theWatershed Restoration Team, Auburn University, University of Tennessee, and Oklahoma State Universityconducted three watershed academy trainingsforExtension professionals, local, state, and federal government representatives,non-profit organizations and stakeholders:1) Chattanooga, TN Watershed Academy June 26-28 (45 participants), 2) Talequah, OK Riparian Vegetation and Restoration Workshop March 19-20 (50 participants), and 3) Midwest, OK Watershed Academy April 9-10, 2013 (40 participants).ACESdeveloped the Statewide Alabama Low Impact Development Handbookwhich provides guidance on site selection, stormwater hydrology, engineering design, recommended vegetation, maintenance, and pollutant removal efficiencies of stormwater control measures.TheTN,AL,SC,GA,FL, andKYorganized and conducteda Water Education Summit in Chattanooga, TN attended byover 150 participants from 17 states and 1 territory.ACESpartnered with other states to conducted stream multiple workshps: 1)Urban Stream Restoration, Auburn, AL March 13-14, 2013 (35 participants), Urban Stream Restoration Tour Phenix City, AL March 12, 2013 (15 participants);6 Environmental Stewardship Clinicsaddressing watershed education,riparian buffers, soil quality, rainwater harvesting, and nutrient management.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: Sallee, J. & Peek, G. (In Press). Fitting the framework: The STEM institute and the 4-H essential elements. Journal of Extension.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Sallee, J. 2013. The STEM institute, service learning, and youth voice. JCEP Galaxy IV Conference, Pittsburg PA.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kunkle,E.,Privette,C.Sawyer,C.,Hayes,J. Attachment of Escherichia coli to Fine Sediment Particles Within Construction Sediment Basins. Journal of Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology. 2013. Vol. 4, No. 3A.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Boatwright, J.D., C.B. Sawyer, C.V. Privette, K.R. Kirk. Guidelines for Design and Construction of a Siphon Spillway. 2013 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Dallas, Texas, July 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Giacalone, K. and C.B. Sawyer. 2013. Use of Survey Instrument Results to Conduct Effective, Compliance-Appropriate Regional Stormwater Education and Involvement Programming. Proceedings of the 2013 StormCon. P63.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Epps, T.H., D.R. Hitchcock, A.D. Jayakaran, D.R. Loflin, T.M. Williams, and D.M. Amatya. 2013. Characterization of Storm Flow Dynamics of Headwater Streams in Lower Coastal Plain South Carolina. Jorunal of American Water Resources Association, JAWRA 49(1):76-89.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Chow, A.T., J. Dai, W.H. Conner, D.R. Hitchcock, and J.J. Wang. 2013. Dissolved Organic Matter and Nutrient Dynamics of a Coastal Freshwater Forested Wetland in Winyah Bay, SC. Biogeochemistry. 112:571-587.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Jayakaran, A.D., S.M. Libes, D.R. Hitchcock, N.L. Bell, and D. Fuss. Flow, organic and inorganic sediment yields from a channelized watershed in South Carolina Lower Coastal Plain. JAWRA-13-0092-P.R2.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hunolt, A., E.F. Brantley, J.A. Howe, A.N. Wright, C.W. Wood. 2013. Comparison of native woody species as live stakes in streambank stabilization in the southeastern USA. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. Sept/Oct Vol. 68, No. 5, pages 384-391.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rodekohr, D., E. Irwin, E.F. Brantley, S. Fowler, and K. Alley. 2013. It Takes More than Mussels to Win a Water War. Auburn Speaks: On Water. Ed: B. Graeme Lockaby. Auburn University Office of the Vice-President of Research. Pp. 24-33
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Dougherty, M., C. LeBleu, E.F. Brantley, and C. Francis. 2013. Rain Gardens: The Magin of Rain Gardens. Auburn Speaks: On Water. Ed: B. Graeme Lockaby. Auburn University Office of the Vice-President of Research. Pp. 210-215
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Boellstorff, D.E., T. Borisova, M.D. Smolen, J.M. Evans, J. Calabria, D.C. Adams, N. Sochacka, M.L. McFarland, and R.L. Mahler. 2013. Audience preferences for water resource information from Extension and other sources. Journal of Natural Sciences Education 42:123-130.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Borisova, T. P. Useche, M.D. Smolen, D.E. Boellstorff, N.W. Sochacka, J. Calabria, D.C. Adams, R.L. Mahler, and J.M. Evans. 2013. Differences in opinions about surface water issues in the southern United States. Nat. Sci. Educ. 42:104-113.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Borisova, T. J. Evans, M. Smolen, M. Olexa, D. Adams, and J. Calabria. 2013. Current and future water availability: public opinion in the southern United States. JOE. 51:1
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cahill, S., R. Gehl, D. Osmond, and D. Hardy. 2013. Effects of Avail Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancer on Various Soil Test Phosphorus Levels. Crop Management. doi:10.1094/CM-2013-0322-01.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Babcock, D. L., and R. A. McLaughlin. 2013. Erosion control effectiveness of straw, hydromulch, and polyacrylamide in a rainfall simulator. J. Soil Water Cons. 68(3):221-227 doi:10.2489/jswc.68.3.221
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Brantley, E.F., K. Dylewski, K. Christian, A. Wright, and C. LeBleu. 2013. Stormwater and Streams  Understanding Opportunities to Improve, Involve, and Evolve. Auburn Speaks: On Water. Ed: B. Graeme Lockaby. Auburn University Office of the Vice-President of Research. Pp. 146-153.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Brantley, E.F. and K. Dylewski (2013). What do Whitewater and Stormwater have in Common? The Mill Creek Watershed Project, International Low Impact Development Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 19-22, 2013, Oral
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Brantley, E. 2013. Branching Out  options for native live stakes for stream restoration. Southwest Stream Restoration Conference. May 28-30, 2013, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Adams, D.C., D. Allen, T. Borisova, D.E. Boellstorff, and M.D. Smolen. 2013. The influence of water attitudes, perceptions, and learning preferences on water-conserving actions. Nat. Sci. Ed. 42:114-122.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Osmond, D., M. Cabrera, A. Sharpley, C. Bolster, S. Feagley, B. Lee, C. Mitchell, R. Mylavarapu, L. Oldham, F. Walker, and H. Zhang. 2012. Comparing Phosphorus Indices from Twelve Southern USA States against Monitored Phosphorus Loads from Six Prior Southern Studies. J. Environ. Qual. doi:10.2134/jeq2012.0013.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Osmond,D., D. Meals, D. Hoag, and M. Arabi. 2012. How to Build Better Agricultural Conservation Programs to Protect Water Quality: The NIFA-CEAP Experience. Soil and Water Conservation Society, Ankeny, IA
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: 6. Osmond, D., D. Meals, D. Hoag, M. Arabi, A. Luloff, M. McFarland, G. Jennings, A. Sharpley, J. Spooner, and D. Line. 2012. Improving conservation practices programming to protect water quality in agricultural watersheds: Lessons learned from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project. J. Soil and Water Conserv. 67:123A-128A. doi:10.2489.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: C. Mitchell, R. Flynn, M. McFarland, M. Mozaffari, D. Osmond. 2013. New Technology and Alternative N Sources for Crops in the Southern U.S. Beltwide Cotton Conference, Jan. 7-13.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Oliver, C., L.M. Risse, D. Radcliffe, M. Habteselassie, and J. Clarke, 2013. The Impact of On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems on the Nitrogen Load and Baseflow in Urbanizing Watersheds of Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Proceedings of the 2013 Georgia Water Resources Conference, held April 10-11, 2013, at the University of Georgia.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Singh, K., L.M. Risse, K.C. Das, J. Worley and S. Thompson, 2013. Effect of Fractionation and Pyrolysis on Fuel Properties of Poultry Litter. Proceedings of the Waste to Worth : Livestock and Poultry Enivronmental Learning Center National Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: D.Coker, M. McFarland, T. Provin, R. Sutton, and D. Pietsch. 2013. Nitrogen Slow-release and stabilizer products for grain sorghum production. SWCS Annual Conference, Reno, NV.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: 1. Osmond, D., D. Meals, D. Hoag, M. Arabi, A. Luloff, M. McFarland, G. Jennings, A. Sharpley, J. Spooner, and D. Line. 2013. Agriculture and sustainable practices: protecting water quality. In: Water Sustainability in Agriculture. Eaglesham, A., K. Korth, R.W.F. Hardy, Eds. National Agricultural Biotechnology Council. Ithaca, NY.


Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project coordinated a Regional Conference in September 2011 in Athens, GA, attended by over 250 faculty and staff from 25 1862 and 1890 institutions. New technology and information produced by the region's 8 core thematic teams was shared. The Drinking Water and Human Health Team collected 22 downwell camera videos to document potential well problems and provided training to over 859 LGI personnel and citizens through events in TN, MS, KY and TX. Four professional Rain Garden Design and Installation Workshops were taught in 2 states with 135 participants representing 4 states. Five train-the-trainer workshops were held in 3 states (TN, SC, GA) with 145 specialists and agents trained regarding on-site septic systems. The 40-Gallon-Challenge program was implemented regionally and nationally providing a self-audit checklist that allows participants to commit to practices that will conserve water. Seven southern region states worked to promote the challenge through development of a national website (www.40GallonChallenge.org) that takes citizen pledges. The Stream Restoration Team conducted a total of 42 region-wide or multi-state workshops and conferences that provided training to over 2215 participants representing 11 states. These included the regional Stream Restoration in the Southeast Conference (325 participants); Stream Morphology Assessment Workshops (5) with 172 participants from 14 states; Stream Restoration Design Workshops (4) with 134 participants from 11 states; HEC-RAS Modeling for Stream Restoration Workshops (2) with 49 participants from 7 states; Construction Practices for Stream Restoration Workshops (7) in NC, GA, and OK for 150 participants from 11 states; Backyard Stream Repair (5) with 220 participants from 3 states; and Erosion & Sediment Control Workshops (16) with 1100 participants from 8 states. The Watershed Management Team conducted two regional workshops in Tennessee with a total of 65 participants from 5 states receiving training. The Nutrient Management Team completed a six state field research project to investigate the use of slow release N fertilizers and additives to reduce nitrogen losses via leaching and surface runoff. In addition, the team produced a regional slide set and newsletter. The Watershed Assessment and Modeling Team conducted 2 national workshops and one regional workshop with 59 participants representing 27 LGIs to train personnel in the use of models for watershed planning, and developed a mobile application titled Google Earth for Water Educators. A regional Special Project funded to address pharmaceuticals as emerging contaminants collected and tested water samples from 125 locations in 8 states to assess the presence of pollutants and develop educational resources for regional application. The Irrigation Water Management Team created and is piloting a regional irrigation ET website to facilitate irrigation scheduling, and conducted pumping system efficiency testing. The Youth Education team trained youth teams in water conservation and proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, installed 15 rainwater harvesting locations, and promoted the 40-Gallon Challenge program. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Drinking water well assessments and training programs produced an estimated value of $700 per participant, with a total regional impact of over $593,600. To date, 4,561 individuals have taken the 40-GallonChallenge and pledged to save an estimated 845,353 gallons of water per day, which represents over 306 million gallons per year. Participant survey results indicate that 86% of participants have followed through with pledges, 50% reported saving from $5-90/month on water bills, with total savings per year through the program estimated at $444,470. Participant surveys conducted at the 46 stream restorations conferences and workshops indicated that more than 90% of participants had substantial gains in knowledge and understanding. Regional urban landscape and water management programs have been implemented in multiple states. For example, in Florida 425 (94%) of the communities that received site visits made positive changes such as improved irrigation system management or removal of invasive plants. Observed water saving by four Community Associations was approximately 390,000 gallons/acre with potential future water savings of the 620 associations visited (total acreage approximately 10,622) based on 90% participation equal to 1.86 billion gallons/year. In Kentucky, surveys conducted at 15 Residential Stormwater Workshops targeting citizens demonstrated a 33-58% increase in knowledge, and a 91-97% intention to adopt new management practices. Research conducted by the Nutrient Management Team demonstrated that traditional N sources are as or more effective than slow release products and stabilizer additives and are more economical. Nutrient management education programs reached over 24,500 agricultural producers and homeowners. Deep profile N testing reduced total N loading on over 250,000 acres by a total of more than 6.4 million pounds with a net value of almost $6.5 million. The Irrigation Management team demonstrated that proper maintenance and operation of irrigation systems could reduce annual pumping costs by over $22,000/system.

Publications

  • Acharya. S. and R.S. Mylavarapu. 2011. Selected soil physical properties and implications on water management system in northeast Florida. Soil Sci. 176:1-8.
  • Acharya, S. J. Jawitz and R.S. Mylavarapu. 2012. Analytical expressions for drainable and fillable porosity of phreatic aquifers under vertical fluxes from evapotranspiration and recharge. Water Resources Research (In press).
  • Beck, E.G., Boellstorff, D.E., Lee, B., Dennis, S., Lamb, J., Schmidt, A., Sheffield, R., Fielder, K., and Uhlman, K. 2012. Down-well camera video clips and database: Educational tool for the Southern Region Well Owner Network, 2012 USDA-NIFA National Water Conference Proceedings.
  • Bobbitt, V., R. Fox, H. Kennell, C. Moulton, G Pinyuh, M. Robson, Lee, B.D. and R.Durham. 2012. Your yard and water quality. Chapter 11. Kentucky Master Gardener Manual. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin ID-201.
  • Boyer., C., Adams, D., Borisova, T., and C. Clark. 2012. Factors Driving Water Utility Rate Structure Choice: Evidence from Four Southern U.S. States. Water Resources Management, 26(10).
  • Brantley, E., W. Walton, and R. Wright. 2011. Aquatic Nuisance Species. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Timely Information WQ-01-11.
  • Brantley, E. and P. Srivastava. 2011. Surfacewater Withdrawal for Sustainable Irrigation. WQ-01-11.
  • Brantley, E. 2011. Urban Stream Enhancement. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Timely Information WQ-01-11.
  • Brion, G., K.R. Brye, B.E. Haggard, C. West, and V. Brahana. 2011. Land-use effects on water quality of a first-order stream in the Ozark Highlands, Mid-Southern United States. River Research and Applications 27(6): 772-790.
  • Calabria, J., D.R. Hitchcock, C.B. Sawyer, B.J. Putman, C.T. Johnson, G.W. Eidson, V. Chanse. 2012. Evaluating Bioretention Planting in the Sandhills Case Study (poster). 2012 SC Water Resources Conference, Columbia, SC.
  • Davis, T., R. Sheffield, S. Hall, B. LeBlanc, C. Theegala. 2012. Development of a Biological Filter Utilizing Organic Growth Media for Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Oxidation. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. B2 (2012) 62-73.
  • Drake, W.M., J.T. Scott, M. Evans-White, B. Haggard, A. Sharpley, and E.M. Grantz. 2012. The effect of periphyton stoichiometry and light on biological immobilization and release in streams. Limnology 13:97-106.
  • Gravois, Kenneth, LeBlanc, Brian D., Sheffield, Ron, Nix, Karen. 2011. Sugarcane Best Management Practices. Publication No. 2833.
  • Haggard, B.E., J.T. Scott, and S. Patterson. 2012. Sediment phosphorus flux in an Oklahoma reservoir suggests reconsideration of watershed management planning. Lake and Reservoir Management 28:59-69.
  • Harris, M. and M. Daniels. 2011. Safe Medicine Disposal in Arkansas. University of Arkansas. Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet FSFC21-PD-6-11N.
  • Hoag, D. LK., I. Chaubey, J. Popp, M. Gitau, L. Chiang, J. Pennington, G. Rodriguez, E. Gbur, M. Nelson, and A.N. Sharpley. 2012. Lincoln Lake Watershed, Arkansas: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project. p. 170-187. In D.L. Osmond et al. (eds.), How to Build Better Agricultural Conservation Programs to Protect Water Quality: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture-Conservation Effects Assessment Project Experience, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Ankeny,IA.
  • Jennings, G., D. Hoag, M. McFarland, and D. Osmond. 2012. Outreach education and technical assistance in the NIFA-CEAP projects. In: How to Build Better Agricultural Conservation Programs to Protect Water Quality: The NIFA-CEAP Experience, ed. D. Osmond, D. Meals, D. Hoag, and M. Arabi. Soil and Water Conservation Society, Akeney, IA. ISBN-978-0-9769432-9-7.
  • Jernigan, K.J., and A. N. Wright. 2012. Effect of Repeated Short Interval Flooding Events on Root and Shoot Growth of Four Native Landscape Shrub Taxa - Journal of Environmental Horticulture. Vol 29(4) 220-222.
  • Kadiyala, M.D.M., R.S. Mylavarapu, Y.C. Li, G.B. Reddy and M.D. Reddy. 2012. Impact of Aerobic Rice Cultivation on Growth, Yield and Water Productivity of Rice-Maize Rotation in Semi-Arid-Tropics. Agron. J., 104:1757-1765.
  • Lavergne, Theresia, Sheffield, Ron, LeBlanc, Brian D., Nix, Karen. 2011. On-Line. Poultry Environmental Best Management Practices. AgCenter Numbered Publication 2806.
  • LeBlanc, B.D. 2011. Rice Hulls for Wastewater Treatment, Nitrogen Oxidation. Louisiana Agriculture. Vol. 54, No. 4. Pp. 28-29.
  • LeBlanc, B.D. 2011. Water Resources Extension Programs. Louisiana Agriculture. Vol. 54, No. 4. Pp. 33-34.
  • LeBlanc, B.D., R. Sheffield, K. Harborth, G. Scaglia, and K. Pope. 2012. Beef Cattle Production Best Management Practices. Publication No. 2884.
  • LeBlanc, B.D., R. Sheffield, J. Kruse, K. Nix. 2012. Agronomic Crops (Soybeans, Cotton, Corn, Wheat and Grain Crops) Best Management Practices. Publication No. 2807.
  • Ludwig, A.L., M.D. Matlock, B.E. Haggard, and I Chaubey. 2012. Periphyton nutrient limitation and maximum potential productivity in the Beaver Lake Basin, USA. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 48(5):896-908.
  • Lutz, C. Greg, LeBlanc, Brian D., Sheffield, Ron, Nix, Karen. 2011. Aquaculture Production Best Management Practices. Publication No. 2894.
  • Lutz, C. Greg, LeBlanc, Brian D., Romaire, Robert P., Sheffield, Ron, Nix, Karen. 2011. Crawfish Environmental Best Management Practices. Publication No. 3186.
  • Meals, D.W., D.L. Osmond, and A.N. Sharpley. 2012. Lessons Learned from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project: Identification of Critical Source Areas. NC State University, Raleigh, NC.
  • Meals, D.W., D.L. Osmond, D. L.K. Hoag, M. Arabi, A.E. Luloff, G.D. Jennings, M.L. McFarland, J. Spooner, A.N. Sharpley, and D.E. Line. 2012. Lessons Learned from the NIFACEAP: Insights for Developing Successful Agricultural Watershed Projects. NC State University, Raleigh, NC. Mitchell, J, B.G. Lockaby, and E. F. Brantley. 2011. Influence of Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) on Decomposition and Nutrient Availability in Riparian Forests. Invasive Plant Science and Management: October-December 2011, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 437-447.
  • Moreira, V. R., B. D. LeBlanc, E. Achberger, R. E. Sheffield, L. K. Zeringue, C. Leonardi. 2011. Improving multistage wastewater treatment system effectiveness: effect of wetland flow rates. 2011 Louisiana Dairy Report. B. F. Jenny, ed. 39-42.
  • Moreira, V. R., B. D. LeBlanc, R. E. Sheffield, K. J. Han, M. E. McCormick. 2011. Whole-Farm Nutrient Management. 2011 Louisiana Dairy Report. B. F. Jenny, ed. 20-25.
  • Osmond, D.L., D. Meals,M. McFarland, and A.N Sharpley. 2012. Conservation practice implementation and maintenance in National Institute of Food And Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Projects. p. 36-57. In D.L. Osmond et al. (eds.), How to Build Better Agricultural Conservation Programs to Protect Water Quality: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture-Conservation Effects Assessment Project Experience, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Ankeny, IA.
  • Osmond, D.L., D. Meals, D. Hoag, M. Arabi, A. Luloff, G. Jennings, J. Spooner, M. McFarland, A.N. Sharpley, and D. Line. 2012. Synthesizing the experience of the 13 National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Projects: Present and future. p. 151-170. In D.L. Osmond et al. (eds.), How to Build Better Agricultural Conservation Programs to Protect Water Quality: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project Experience, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Ankeny, IA.
  • Osmond, D.L., A.N. Sharpley, C. Bolster, M. Cabrera, S. Feagley, B. Lee, C. Mitchell, R. Mylavarapu, L. Oldham, F. Walker, and H. Zhang. 2012. Comparing phosphorus indices from twelve southern USA states against monitored phosphorus loads from six prior southern studies. J. Environ. Qual. Doi:10.2134/jeq2012.0013.
  • Osmond, D.L., D. Meals, D. Hoag, M. Arabi, A. Luloff, M. McFarland, G. Jennings, A.N. Sharpley, J. Spooner, and D. Line. 2012. Improving Conservation Practices Programming to Protect Water Quality in Agricultural Watersheds: Lessons Learned from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project. J. Soil and Water Conserv. 67(5):122A-127A.
  • Osmond, D.L., D.W. Meals, A.N. Sharpley, M.L. McFarland, and D.E. Line. 2012. Lessons Learned from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project: Conservation Practice Implementation and Adoption to Protect Water Quality. NC State University, Raleigh, NC.
  • Osmond, D.L, D. Meals, D. Hoag, M. Arabi, A. Luloff, M. McFarland, G. Jennings, A.N. Sharpley, J. Spooner, and D. Line. 2012. Protecting Water Quality in Agricultural Watersheds. Lessons Learned from The National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project. NWQEP Notes, Issue 138.
  • Pai, N., D. Saraswat, and M. Daniels. 2011. Identifying Priority Sub watersheds Using Distributed Modeling Approach. Transactions of the ASABE. 54(6): 2181-2196.
  • Pennington, J., M. Daniels, H. Leichty, and C. Stuhlinger. 2011. A Riparian area assessment guide for streamside landowners. University of Arkansas. Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Publication MP499-PD-6-11N.
  • Saichuk, John K., Sheffield, Ron, LeBlanc, Brian D., Girouard, Ernest, Hollier, Clayton A., Nix, Karen. 2011. Rice Production Best Management Practices.Publication No. 2805.
  • Sanchez, J.F. and R.S. Mylavarapu. 2011. Potential nitrogen mineralization in sandy soils under long-term poultry litter management. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 42:424-434.
  • Sawyer, C.B., D.R. Hitchcock, B.J. Putman, C.T. Johnson, G.W. Eidson, J. Calabria, V. Chanse. 2012. Using Green Infrastructure for Improved Urban Surface Water Hydrology. Proceedings of the 2012 South Carolina Water Resources Conference, ISBN: 978-0-615-70377-0, Columbia, SC.
  • Sharpley, A.N., and H.P. Jarvie. 2012. Agricultural management, water quality & ecology: Putting practice into policy. In A. Eaglesham (ed.), National Agricultural Biotechnology Council Conference Proceedings.
  • Sheffield, R.E., Page, T.G., LeBlanc, B.D., and K. Nix. 2012. Environmental Best Management Practices for Louisiana Swine Production. LSU AgCenter Publication Number 2835.
  • Smith, T., A.O. Villordon, R. Sheffield, B.D. LeBlanc, and K. Pope. 2012. Environmental Best Management Practices For Sweet Potato Cultivation. AgCenter on-line pub.
  • Smolen, M.D., A. Mittelstet, and B. Harjo. 2012. Whose Water Is It Anyway Comparing the Water Rights Frameworks of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. E-1030. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Oklahoma State University.
  • Teague, K., B. Huffines, M. Brown, J. Pennnington, B. Kurz, and M. Daniels. 2011. Harvesting using rain barrels. University of Arkansas. Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet FSA9534-PD-12-11N.
  • Teague, K., M. Daniels, J. Pennington and M. Brown. 2011. Rain Gardens and Storm water. University of Arkansas. Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet FSA9533-PD-12-11N.
  • Tempel, E.A., C.V. Privette III, C.B Sawyer, J.C. Hayes. 2010. Survival, Behavior, and Fate of Indicator Bacteria in Sediment Basins. International Symposium on Erosion and Landscape Evolution, ASABE #11011. Anchorage, AK.
  • Tillinghast, E. D., W. F. Hunt, G. D. Jennings, and P. D'Arconte. 2012. Increasing stream geomorphic stability using stormwater control measures in a densely urbanized watershed. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering (in press).
  • Cogger, C. E. Ritchey and B. Lee. 2012. Soils and fertility. Chapter 4. Kentucky Master Gardener Manual. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin AGR-204.
  • Cogger, C., D. Sullivan, J. Kropf, Lee, B.D. and R. Durham. 2012. Composting. Chapter 5. Kentucky Master Gardener Manual. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin ID-192.
  • Daniels, M., P. Fisk, A. Baber and L. Espinosa. 2011. Un Resumen de las Regulaciones para el Manejo de Nutrientes en las Fincas Ganaderas en Arkansas University of Arkansas. Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet FSA9523SP.
  • Daniels, M., A. Sharpley, P. Fisk, K. VanDevender, and A. Baber. 2011. Understanding Nutrient Management Laws for Turf grass, lawn care and landscaping. University of Arkansas. Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet FSA9532PD-12-11N.
  • Boellstorff, D.E., K.A. Uhlman, M.L. McFarland and J.W. Smith. 2011. Private Drinking Water Well Basics. Texas AgriLife Extension Service Factsheet, SP-464, 2 pp.
  • Borisova, T., Adams, D., Flores-Lagunes, A., Smolen, M.. McFarland, M., & Boellstorff, D. 2012. Participation in Volunteer-Driven Programs and Their Effects on Homeowners' Landscaping Practices, 3RIB4, Journal of Extension, 50(3).
  • Daniels, M. and K. VanDevender. 2011. Improving Home Water Quality. University of Arkansas. Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Publication MP292-PD-9-11RV.
  • Moreira, V. R., B. LeBlanc, E. Achberger, R. Sheffield, K. J. Han, L. K. Zeringue, C. Leonardi. 2011. Improving multi-stage wastewater treatment system effectiveness: Evaluating plant growth on artificial floating islands over two growing seasons, preliminary results. In: Southeast Research Station Field Day Summaries, 2011. LSU AgCenter SERS, Franklinton, LA. 44-48.
  • Mylavarapu, R.S. 2011. Nutrient and Animal Waste Management. Regional Newsletter, Southern Region Water Program. Ed: R. Mylavarapu, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. p 12.
  • Mylavarapu, R.S. Watersheds of Florida: Understanding a Watershed Approach to Water Management. Factsheet SL 367, Soil and Water Science, Coop Extension Service. Osborne, A.R. and J. Taraba. 2012. Saving water at home. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin HENV-601.
  • Osmond, D.L., D. Meals, D. Hoag, M. Arabi, A. Luloff, G. Jennings, J. Spooner, M. McFarland, A.N. Sharpley, and D. Line. 2012. Introduction and approach to synthesis of lessons learned from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment projects. p. 3-11. In D.L. Osmond et al. (eds.), How to Build Better Agricultural Conservation Programs to Protect Water Quality: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture-Conservation Effects Assessment Project Experience, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Ankeny, IA.
  • Tillinghast, E. D., W. F. Hunt, and G. D. Jennings. 2011. Stormwater control measure (SCM) design standards to limit stream erosion for Piedmont North Carolina. Journal of Hydrology 411(3-4):185-196.
  • Toland, D.C., B.E. Haggard, and M.E. Boyer. 2012. Evaluation of nutrient concentrations in runoff water from green roofs, conventional roofs, and urban streams. Transactions ASABE 55:99-106.
  • Uhlman, K.A., D.E. Boellstorff and M.L. McFarland. 2011. Well Owner Drought Response. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Factsheet SP-465.
  • Uhlman, K.A., D.E. Boellstorff, M.L. McFarland and J.W. Smith. 2011. Facts about Fracking and Your Drinking Water Well. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Factsheet SP-463.
  • Zink, J. M., G. D. Jennings, and Z. Price. 2012. Morphology characteristics of Southern Appalachian wilderness streams. J. Am. Wat. Res. Assoc. 48(4):762-773.


Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Southern Region Project utilizes 7 Regional Program Teams to target critical issues related to water resources: (1) Nutrient Management, (2) Animal Waste Management,(3) Irrigation Water Management, (4) Drinking Water and Rural/Urban Interface Education,(5) Water Policy and Economics, 6)Watershed Assessment and Modeling,and 7) Watershed Education and Restoration. These Regional Program Areas encompass the eight national water resource themes, and represent key areas of need for agricultural and rural communities in the South. Program teams are composed of extension and research/teaching personnel from 1862 and 1890 institutions in states targeting that issue with integrated efforts in extension, research, and education. Multi-state training programs were conducted to address a variety of important water resource issues including: Erosion and Sediment Control - 16 events reaching 880 professionals; Stream Restoration - 7 events reaching 640 professionals; Stormwater Control - 12 events for 725 professionals; Youth Water Education (hands-on learning) - 28 events for 3200 K-12 youth. Resources developed through collaborative efforts also were delivered within individual states with significant increases in producer knowledge and intentions to adopt. For example, in Tennessee before a Large Animal Mortality Management training participants rated themselves, on a 1-5 scale, for key topic areas: 1.88, 1.80, and 2.00; after training participants rated themselves 3.80, 4.63, and 4.08, respectively. The SR 4-H2O youth water curriculum was completed (http://www.ca.uky.edu/enri/4H2O.htm) and piloted in 6 counties in Georgia. In addition, a Water Conservation Tools survey of Water Utility Managers was conducted in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, and Tennessee and a Water Conservation Attitudes and Behaviors survey of Water Consumers was conducted in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Texas and the results published in the Journal of Extension. Continued collaboration with 1890 institutions has further expanded their programs: Tennessee State University initiated a down well camera program (created in Georgia) which was used to evaluate 7 wells for owners and train students in groundwater protection. NCA&T collaborated with NCSU to develop a low impact development program which includes the use of rainwater harvesting and rain gardens. A total of 9 Multi-State Special Project grants were initiated through a regional competitive grants process and included projects addressing pharmaceuticals as emerging contaminants, livestock nutrient management planning, slow release nitrogen fertilizers, watershed academies, youth water education curriculum development, and water resource training for underserved communities. The Southern Region provided leadership for the organization and management of the National Water Program Conference in Washington, D.C., coordinated developed of the National Water Program Impact Report, and conducted planning for a regional training event to be held in Athens, Georgia (Sept. 2011). PARTICIPANTS: Key Personnel Dr. Jimmy A. Bonner, Mississippi State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC and, as and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Mike Daniels, University of Arkansas serves as a member of the SRWQPC and, as and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Cassel Gardner, Florida A&M University serves as a member of the SRWQPC; is the 1890 Institution representative to the Committee for Shared Leadership for Water Quality (CSL-WQ); and participates in all planning meetings associated with the project. Dr. Eve Brantley, Auburn University serves as a member of the SRWQPC; Program Leader for Drinking Water and Human Health, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Calvin Sawyer, Clemson University serves as a member of the SRWQPC; and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Greg Jennings, North Carolina State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC, as Regional Coordinator for Region IV, and as a member of the CSL-WQ; serves as a PD for the Regional Project, as Program Leader for Watershed Education and Restoration. Dr. Jennings participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Brian LeBlanc, Louisiana State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Mark L. McFarland, Texas A&M University serves as a member of the SRWQPC, as Regional Coordinator for Region VI, and as a member of the CSL-WQ; and serves as PD for the Regional Project, as Program Leader for Nutrient Management. Dr. McFarland participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Tom Obreza, University of Florida serves as a member of the SRWQPC and co-leader for Irrigation Water Management and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. L. Mark Risse, University of Georgia serves as a member of the SRWQPC; serves as a Program Leader for Animal Waste Management participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Mr. Craig Runyan, New Mexico State University, serves as a member of the SRWQPC and as Program Co-Leader for Irrigation Water Management, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Shawn Hawkins, University of Tennessee serves as a member of the SRWQPC and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Michael D. Smolen, Oklahoma State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC, and, as PD for the regional project, as Co-Leader for Water Policy and Economics, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Raghavan Srinivasan, Texas A&M University administers all activities associated with the regional water quality database and participates in planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of this regional coordination project includes all watershed stakeholders in the southern region of the U.S. including students K-graduate/professional school; residents, homeowners, landowners and managers; city and county agencies; local, state and federal natural resource and regulatory agencies; and citizen groups including non-governmental organizations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Impacts of the regional program are functionally demonstrated at state and local levels. Case examples include the following: In Tennessee, over 400 stream miles were delisted in 2010, including 13.57 miles in the Pond Creek watershed where UT Extension has focused water quality education and BMP installation efforts. The LSU AgCenter worked in concert with state and local governments to implement regionally developed programs in livestock management, urban water quality management (Yard and Neighbors Pollution Reduction Program), and 4-H watershed education, as well as others; as a result, in part, in 2010-11 the Bogue Falaya, Tangipahoa, and Tchefuncte Rivers were de-listed. In Arkansas, training facilitated development of 738 nutrient management plans for 46,923 acres in the nutrient impaired Illinois River Watershed reducing the average litter application rate by 2.4 tons/acre which translates into a reduction of 6.6 million pounds of phosphorus per year within the watershed. In Texas, 27 Texas Watershed Steward workshops were delivered to a total of 1340 individuals representing over 2,950 contact hours. Pre/post testing verified that participant knowledge regarding watersheds, water pollution, water quality regulation, and watershed management increased by nearly 32%. Average post-test scores are 90% and over 80% of participants reported the intent to adopt one or more Best Management Practices to help improve and protect their watershed. In addition, 13 educational events conducted across the state targeting nitrogen management in corn, cotton, and grain sorghum reached 935 agricultural producers and provided over 1120 contact hours. In Mississippi, educational programs conducted in concert with a Waste Pesticide Disposal Program resulted in collection of 55,909 pounds of agricultural pesticides in 15 counties. On a regional basis, the Nutrient Management Team completed a 6-state, two-year study of slow release nitrogen fertilizer products and nitrogen fertilizer stabilizers. A slide set and regional report were developed summarizing project findings which demonstrated little or no benefit from any of the non-traditional products tested.

Publications

  • Pai, N., D. Saraswat, and M.B. Daniels. 2011. Identifying Prioirty Subwatersheds Using Distributed Modeling Approach (In Press, Trans ASABE).
  • Sharpley, Andrew, Mike Daniels, Karl VanDevender, and Nathan Slaton. 2010. Soil Phosphorus Management and Recommendations. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet FSA 1029-PD-9-10RV.
  • Harris, M., M.B. Daniels. 2011. Safe Medicine Disposal in Arkansas. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet FSFC21-PD-6-11N.
  • Pennington, J., M.B. Daniels, H. Liechty, and C. Stuhlinger. 2011. A riparian area assessment guide for streamside landowners. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service. Publication MP499-PD-6-11-N.
  • Daniels, M.B. and K. VanDevender. 2011. Improving Home Water Quality. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service Publication MP292-PD-9-11RV.
  • Winston, R.J., W.F. Hunt, D.L. Osmond, W.G. Lord, and M. D Woodward. 2011. Field Evaluation of Four Level Spreader-Vegetative Filter Strips to Improve Urban Stormwater Quality. J. Irrig. and Drain. Eng. 137:170-182.
  • Tillinghast, E. D., W. F. Hunt, and G. D. Jennings. 2011. Stormwater control measure (SCM) discharge design standards to limit stream erosion for Piedmont North Carolina. J. Hydrology (in press).
  • Zink, J. M., G. D. Jennings, and Z. Price. 2011. Stream morphology characteristics in undisturbed Southern Appalachian mountain watersheds. J. Am. Wat. Res. Assoc. (in press).
  • Osmond, D.L., D. Meals, M. Arabi, D. Hoag, A. Luloff, G. D. Jennings, D. Line, M. McFarland, A. Sharpley, and J. Spooner. 2010. Developing lessons learned from the 13 CSREES CEAP projects. In: Proc. 2010 Land Grant and Sea Grant National Conf., Feb 20-26, 2010, Hilton Head, SC.
  • Osmond, D., D. Meals, M. Arabi, D. Hoag, A. Luloff, G. D. Jennings, A. Sharpley, M. McFarland, J. Spooner, and D. Line. 2010. CSREES-CEAP Synthesis: Preliminary Lessons on Protecting Water Quality. 2010 Annual Soil and Water Conservation Society Conference, St. Louis, MO.
  • Osmond, D., D. Meals, M. Arabi, D. Hoag, A. Luloff, G. D. Jennings, M. McFarland, A. Sharpley, J. Spooner, and D. Line. 2010. Landscape-scale Conservation Projects: CEAP, A Case Study. In: Proc. Managing Ag Landscapes II Conf., Apr 28-30, 2010, Denver, CO.
  • Kang, J., A. Amoozegar, D.L. Hesterberg, and D.L. Osmond. 2011. Phosphorus Leaching In Sandy Soils as Affected by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Sources. Geoderma 161.
  • Sharpley, A., C. Bolster, L. Good, B. Joern, Q. Kettering, J. Lory, R. Mikkelsen, D. Osmond, P. Vadas. 2011. Revision of the USDA-NRCS 590 Standard: SERA-17 Recommendations. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin No. 412. A Publication of SERA-IEG 17 A USDA-CSREES Regional Committee Minimizing Agricultural Phosphorus Losses for Protection of the Water Resource.
  • Lutz, G., Romaire, R., LeBlanc, B.D., Sheffield, R.E., and K. Nix. 2011. On-Line Environmental Best Practices for Crawfish Culture. AgCenter Publication Number 3186.
  • Lutz, G., LeBlanc, B.D. Sheffield, R.E., and K. Nix. 2011. On-Line. Environmental Best Practices for Aquaculture. LSU AgCenter Publication Number 2894.
  • Sheffield, R., LeBlanc, B.D., Lavergne, T., and K. Nix. 2011. On-Line. Poultry Environmental Best Management Practices (BMPS), LSU AgCenter Numbered Publication 2806.
  • Sheffield, R., Moreira, V., LeBlanc, B.D., and E. Twidwell. 2010. On-Iine. Dairy Sustainable Best Management Practices (BMP's). LSU AgCenter Publication Number 2823.
  • Davis, T., Sheffield R., Hall, S., LeBlanc, B.D. and C. Theegala. 2011. Development of a Biological Filter Utilizing Organic Growth Media for Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Oxidation. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. Accepted, March 2011.
  • Moreira V. and B.D. LeBlanc. 2010. Louisiana Agriculture. Improving Dairy Wastewater Treatment for Louisiana's Environment. Spring 2010. Vol. 53, No. 2. Pp. #8-9.
  • Sheffield, R. E., Moreira, V., LeBlanc, B.D., and T. Davis. 2010. Lime precipitation and phosphorus removal of dairy wastewater, Louisiana Agriculture, 53:14-15.
  • V. R. Moreira, LeBlanc, B.D., Achberger, E., and C. Leonardi, 2010. Design and Evaluation of Dairy Parlor Wastewater Effluent Sequential Biological Treatment in Southeastern Louisiana. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 26:125-136.
  • Osmond, D.L. and W.G. Lord. 2011. Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Training. Slide sets for agents to present for mandatory training.
  • Arnall, B., R. Flynn, M. McFarland, C. Mitchell, M. Mozaffari, and D.Osmond. 2011. Alternative N-fertilizer: Do They Work Better Slide set for extension agents.
  • Migliaccio, K.W., J. Castro, and B.E. Haggard. 2010. Chapter 13 Water Quality Statistical Analysis, Editors: Y. Li and K.W. Migliaccio, Water Quality Concepts, Sampling, and Analyses, CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. pp. 241-274.
  • B.E. Haggard and J.T. Scott. 2010. Chapter 3 Water Quality Standards: Designated Uses and Numeric Criteria Development, Editors: Y. Li and K.W. Migliaccio, Water Quality Concepts, Sampling, and Analyses, CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. pp. 21-40.
  • Haggard, B.E. 2010. Phosphorus concentrations, loads and sources at the Illinois River, Arkansas. Journal of Environmental Quality 39: 2113-2120.
  • Longing, S.D., and Haggard, B.E. 2010. Distributions of median nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations across the Red River Basin, USA. Journal of Environmental Quality 39: 1966-1974.
  • Longing, S.D., and Haggard, B.E. 2010. Biological assessment to support ecological recovery of a degraded headwater system. Environmental Management 46: 459-470.
  • Brion, G., K.R. Brye, B.E. Haggard, C. West, and V. Brahana. 2011. Land-use effects on water quality of a first-order stream in the Ozark Highlands, Mid-Southern United States. River Research and Applications 27(6): 772-790.
  • David, M.M., and B.E. Haggard. 2011. Development of regression-based models to predict fecal bacteria numbers at select sites within the Illinois River Watershed, Arkansas and Oklahoma, USA. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 215: 525-547.
  • Huffhines, B., K.R. Brye, B.E. Haggard, and R.A. Morgan. 2011. Net nutrient uptake in the White River, Northwest Arkansas, downstream of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Journal of Environmental Protection 2:255-270.
  • Rogers, C.W., A.N. Sharpley, B.E. Haggard, J.T. Scott, and B.M. Drake. 2011. Physicochemical characterization of sediment in northwest Arkansas streams. Journal of Environmental Protection 2:629-638.
  • Scott, J.T., Haggard, B.E., Sharpley, A.N., and Romeis, J.J. 2011. Long-term phosphorus trends are correlated with changes in water quality monitoring and watershed management. Journal of Environmental Quality 40(4):1249-1256.
  • Sharpley, A., P. Moore Jr., K. VanDevender, M. Daniels, W. Delp, B. Haggard, T. Daniels, and A. Baber. 2011. Arkansas Phosphorus Index. UA Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service FSA9531, 8 pp.
  • Sharpley, A., M. Daniels, K. VanDevender, P. Moore Jr., B. Haggard. N Slaton, and C. West. 2011. Using the 2010 Arkansas Phosphorus Index. UA Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service MP487, 17 pp.
  • Sharpley, A., M. Cochran, M. Daniels, B. Haggard, M. Matlock, T. Riley, and D. Saraswat. 2011. The Role of Nonpoint Source Models in Watershed Management. UA Division of Agriculture, Policy Center Fact Sheet FSPPC112.
  • Pai, N., D. Saraswat, and R.Srinivasan 2011. Field_SWAT: A Tool for Mapping SWAT Output to Field Boundaries. Computers and Geosciences, doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2011.07.006
  • Pai, N. and D. Saraswat. 2011. SWAT2009_LUC: A Tool to Activate Land Use Change Module in SWAT 2009 (In Press, Trans ASABE.


Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Southern Region Water Quality Planning Committee (SRWQPC) composed of Water Quality Coordinators from 20 land grant institutions (1862 and 1890) across the 13 states of EPA Regions IV and VI continued to develop and deliver technology and resources to agricultural producers and rural communities across the South to enable them to better understand and respond to critical water resource issues. Seven Regional Program Areas encompassing the 8 national themes were coordinated by multi-disciplinary teams: (1) Nutrient Management, (2) Animal Waste Management, (3) Irrigation Water Management, (4) Drinking Water and Rural/Urban Interface Education, (5) Water Policy and Economics, (6) Watershed Assessment and Modeling, and (7) Watershed Education and Restoration. The SRWQPC conducted face-to-face planning meetings in St. Louis, Missouri in February and in Atlanta, Georgia in June to facilitate project implementation. New resources developed through the Project this period included refereed journal articles (22), fact sheets (60), proceedings and abstracts (95), training manuals (24), popular articles (220), radio, TV, and news releases, and videos. For example, the Animal Waste Management Team produced 8 educational videos demonstrating alternative waste management technologies. Numerous agent training workshops were conducted by the Watershed Education and Restoration Team including Effective Education in Developing Watersheds (November)in Asheville, NC and a series of stream restoration and stormwater management workshops. The Nutrient Management Team implemented coordinated field studies to evaluate the use of slow release nitrogen sources and continued a 406 Integrated Project for CEAP project synthesis. A series of webinars were developed and conducted, including Water Smart Landscaping, Yards and Neighborhoods, and Residential Water Collection, Reuse and Treatment. The web-based Drinking Water & Human Health (DWHH) FAQ database was expanded and averaged over 4,200 hits/day. The Project continued to enhance collaboration with 1890 institutions through expanded participation on the Program Teams. The regional database at http://srwqis.tamu.edu/ was visited approximately 18,000 times. Through an internal competitive grants process, 12 Special Projects developed by Program Teams and targeting existing or emerging issues in water resource management were funded. The Project continued to support efforts of the Committee for Shared Leadership (CSL) to foster a national program in concert with NIFA by linking the 406 regional projects and their network of research, education and extension professionals. The Project also led efforts by the CSL to organize and conduct the NIFA National Water Conference, and to produce the NIFA National Water Program Outcome Report, the NIFA National Water Quality Coordinators Directory, and the NIFA National Water Quality Program poster. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jimmy A. Bonner, Mississippi State University, serves as a member of the SRWQPC and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Mike Daniels, University of Arkansas, serves as a member of the SRWQPC and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Cassel Gardner, Florida A&M University, serves as Co-PD for the Regional Project, is the 1890 Institution representative to the Committee for Shared Leadership for Water Quality (CSL-WQ), is a member of the SRWQPC, and participates in all planning meetings associated with the project. Dr. Eve Brantley, Auburn University, serves as a member of the SRWQPC, Program Leader for Program Leader for Watershed Education and Restoration, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Calvin Sawyer, Clemson University, serves as a member of the SRWQPC and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Greg Jennings, North Carolina State University, serves as a Co-PD for the Regional Project, Regional Coordinator for Region IV and as a member of the CSL-WQ; as a member of the SRWQPC and Program Leader for Watershed Education and Restoration. Dr. Jennings participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Brian LeBlanc, Louisiana State University, serves as a member of the SRWQPC and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Mark L. McFarland, Texas A&M University, serves as PD for the Regional Project, is Regional Coordinator for Region VI and a member of the CSL-WQ, and is Co-Program Leader for Nutrient Management. Dr. McFarland participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Tom Obreza, University of Florida, serves as a member of the SRWQPC and Co-Program Team Leader for Irrigation Water Management and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. L. Mark Risse, University of Georgia, serves as a member of the SRWQPC, as a Program Leader for Animal Waste Management, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Mr. R. Craig Runyan, New Mexico State University, serves as a member of the SRWQPC, as Co-Program Team Leader for Irrigation Water Management, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Shawn Hawkins, University of Tennessee, serves as a member of the SRWQPC and Program Leader for Animal Waste Management and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Michael D. Smolen, Oklahoma State University, serves as Co-PD for the Regional Project, a member of the SRWQPC, Co-Program Team Leader for Water Policy and Economics, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Raghavan Srinivasan, Texas A&M University, administers all activities associated with the regional water quality database and participates in planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of this regional coordination project includes all watershed stakeholders in the southern region of the U.S. including students (kindergarten through graduate/professional school), homeowners, landowners and managers, city and county agencies, local, state and federal natural resource and regulatory agencies, and citizen groups including non-governmental organizations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The Southern Region Water Resources Project facilitated regional collaboration and multi-state efforts to enhance protection and management of water resources. Effective approaches for watershed management, pollution prevention and youth education were identified and shared among states using 7 multi-state, multi-disciplinary Program Teams. For example, the Water Policy and Economics Team coordinated a regional water survey which documents citizen attitudes and understanding of water resources across the South (in press), and conducted a regional conference addressing policy development for water resource management in the South. The Irrigation and Water Management program team developed an interactive youth water education game titled Water Ripples (http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/ watertaskforce) and developed and disseminated a series of irrigation management factsheets. The Watershed Education and Restoration program team developed the Watershed Steward Program, a 7-hour training program designed to enhance local stakeholder involvement in watershed planning; post-training surveys showed a 32% increase in knowledge and an 80% intention to adopt a new best management practice. The team also conducted agent training targeting Extension's Role in Developing Watersheds, and conducted the Southeast Regional Stream Restoration Conference in Asheville, NC, attended by 485 professionals from 22 states; post-training surveys documented significant increases in knowledge and understanding. Twelve stream restoration field workshops and 5 new demonstration projects were conducted in 3 states with 330 participants. Fifteen stormwater management field workshops and 5 new demonstration projects were conducted in 4 states with 550 participants. Six ecosystem restoration projects were implemented in Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina to demonstrate and evaluate innovative restoration techniques in a range of watershed conditions, including (1) coal mine reclamation site in Kentucky; (2) urban parks in Alabama; (3) mountain forest in North Carolina; and (4) urban floodplains in North Carolina. The Nutrient Management Team published an e-newsletter through the University of Florida which includes current research findings and recommendations for nutrient related water resource management issues; the team also published a technical article on variations among states in design and application of the P Index. The Drinking Water and Human Health team modified and enhanced the regional FAQs database which now includes over 2500 questions and receives over 4200 hits daily; and coordinated down-well camera efforts in Georgia, Kentucky and Texas to develop a web resource for well management. The Animal Waste Management team coordinated with the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center to conduct webcasts on important waste management issues in the Southern Region and nationally. Project team members worked with local, state and regional decision-makers in agencies and government to disseminate project results and support policy development for water resource management across the Southern Region.

Publications

  • Dukes, M. D. 2009. Smart irrigation controllers: What makes an irrigation controller smart UF-IFAS Agric. and Biol. Eng. Dept. AE442. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae442).
  • Henning, F., P. Pugliesse, C. Tanner, T. Davis, E. Brantley, K. Smith, M. Fonseca and E. Bauske. 2010. Advanced concepts in water smart landscape design, part II: The finer points of landscape design. UGA Coop. Ext. Elec. Bul. CD-048.
  • Johnsely, C. and G. B. Reddy. 2010. Sorption and desorption of phosphorus by shale: batch and column studies. Water Sci.Technol.61:599-606.1. Beginners SWAT/APEX-Workshop from November 16 to 18 at NCA&T.
  • Kang, J., D.L. Hesterberg, and D.L. Osmond. 2009. Soil Organic Matter Effects on Phosphorus Sorption: A Path Analysis. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 73:360-366.
  • Lin, Z., D.E. Radcliffe, L.M. Risse, J.J. Romeis, and C.R. Jackson, 2009. Modeling Phosphorus in the Lake Allatoona Watershed Using SWAT: II. Effect of Land Use Change. Journal of Environmental Quality 38:121-129.
  • Line, D. E., G. D. Jennings, M. B. Shaffer, J. Calabria, W. F. Hunt. 2008. Evaluating the effectiveness of two stormwater wetlands in North Carolina. ASABE Paper 083714 presented at the 2008 Am. Soc. Agric. Bio. Eng. Annual Intl. Meeting, June 29 to July 22, 2008, Providence, RI.
  • McLaughlin, R. A., S. A. Hayes, D. L. Clinton, M. S. McCaleb, and G. D. Jennings. 2009. Water quality improvements using modified sediment control systems on construction sites. Trans. ASABE 52(6):1859-1867.
  • McLaughlin, R. A., S. E. King, and G. D. Jennings. 2009. Improving construction site runoff quality with fiber check dams and polyacrylamide. J. Soil & Water Cons. 64(2):144-154.
  • Boellstorff, D.E., M.L. McFarland and C.T. Boleman. 2010. Water Issues in Texas: A Survey of Public Perceptions and Attitudes about Water. Texas AgriLife Extension Service, College Station, Texas.
  • Brantley, E. K. Smith, C. Tanner, T. Davis, F. Henning, P. Pugliese, M. Fonseca and E. Bauske. 2010. Advanced concepts in water smart landscape design, part III: Our landscapes, our streams, our watersheds. CD in review.
  • Cahill, S., D. Osmond, and D. Israel. 2010. Nitrogen release from coated urea fertilizers in different soils. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 41:1-12. Crozier, C. R., R. Gehl, & D. L. Osmond. 2009. Evaluating organic soil amendments and fertilizer enhancers. Crops & Soils 42(2): pp 19-24.
  • Dukes, M. D., L. E. Trenholm, E. Gilman, C. J. Martinez, J. L. Cisar, T. H. Yeager, A. Shober and G. Denny. 2009. Frequently asked questions about landscape irrigation for Florida-Freiendly Landscaping ordinances. UF-IFAS Env. Hort. Dept. ENH1114. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wq142).
  • Dukes, M. D. and D. Z. Haman. 2009. Operation of residential irrigation controllers. UF-IFAS Agric. and Biol. Eng. Dept. Cir. 1421. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae220).
  • McLaughlin, R. A., S. E. King, and G. D. Jennings. 2009. Promising new practice reduces turbidity levels from construction sites. EPA Nonpoint Source News-Notes 88:8-10.
  • Morgan, K. T., E. A. Hanlon, and T. A. Obreza. 2009. A web-based irigation scheduling model to improve water use efficiency and reduce nutrient leaching for Florida citrus. UF-IFAS Soil and Water Sci. Dept. SL286. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss499).
  • Muir, J., T.J. Helton, T. Butler, M.L. McFarland. 2010. Dairy Manure Compost Application Rate and Timing Influence Bermudagrass Yield and Nutrient Concentration. Crop Science (in press)
  • Mukundan, R., Radcliffe, D.E., Simon, A., and Klimentz, L. 2009. Rapid geomorphic assessment and sediment tracking, North Fork Broad River, Georgia. 2009. 2009 USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference Abstracts. Available online at: http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2009/Abstracts/Wshedoral/M ukundan09.pdf
  • Mukundan, R., Radcliffe, D.E., Ritchie, J. and McKinley, R. 2009. Sediment fingerprinting to determine the source of suspended sediment in a Southern Piedmont Stream. Soil Science Society of America 2009 abstract. Available online at: http://acs.confex.com/crops/2009am/webprogram/Paper52628.html
  • Mukundan, R., D.E. Radcliffe, M. and Risse. 2010. Soil database resolution effect on SWAT model predictions of sediment in a Southern Piedmont watershed. J. Soil Water Conserv.
  • Mukundan, R., D.E. Radcliffe, J. Ritchie, and R. McKinley. 2010. Sediment fingerprinting to determine the source of suspended sediment in a Southern Piedmont stream. J. Environ. Qual.
  • Oldham, J. L. 2010. Mississippi (Lancaster) Extraction for Macro- and Micronutrients. in F. Sikora (Ed.) Methods used in public testing laboratories in the southern United States. Southern Extension and Research Information and Exchange Group 6.
  • Oldham, J. L., L. Sonon, and D. E. Kissell. 2010. Soil testing for cotton on Coastal Plain soils. pp 5 to 7. in C. Mitchell (Ed.) Research based soil test interpretations and recommendations for cotton on Coastal Plain soil. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin no. 410. ISBN 1581614101.
  • Osmond, D., S. Cahill, J.R. Schultheis, G.J. Holmes, and W.R. Jester. 2010. Tillage Practices and Nitrogen Rates on Pickling Cucumber Production. International Journal of Vegetable Science. (in press)
  • Radcliffe, D.E., Z. Lin, L.M. Risse, J.J. Romeis, and C.R. Jackson, 2009. Modeling Phosphorus in the Lake Allatoona Watershed Using SWAT: I. Developing Phosphorus Parameter Values. Journal of Environmental Quality 38:111-120.
  • Tanner, C., T. Davis, K. Smith, E. Brantley, F. Henning, P. Pugliese, G. Wade, M. Fonseca, E. Bauske. 2009. Advanced concepts in water smart landscape design, part I: Landscape Planning and Design. UGA Coop. Ext. Elec. Bul. CD044.
  • Tullos, D. D., D. L. Penrose, G. D. Jennings, and W. G. Cope. 2009. Analysis of functional traits in reconfigured channels: implications for the bioassessment and disturbance of river restoration. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 28(1):80 to 92.
  • Violin, C., D. Penrose, G. D. Jennings, E. S. Bernhardt, and D. Palange. 2009. A quantitative assessment of stream restoration success. in: Proc. NABS Annual Conf., May 16 to 23, 2009, Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Zhu, X., and L.M. Risse, 2009. Field Investigation of Compost Blankets for Erosion Control Under Concentrated Flow Conditions. Transactions of the ASABE 52(1):81-91.


Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Southern Region Water Quality Planning Committee (SRWQPC) composed of Water Quality Coordinators from 20 land grant institutions (1862 and 1890) across the 13 states of EPA Regions IV and VI continued to develop and deliver technology and resources to agricultural producers and rural communities across the South to enable them to better understand and respond to critical water resource issues. Seven Regional Program Areas encompassing the 8 national themes were coordinated by multi-disciplinary teams: (1) Nutrient Management, (2) Animal Waste Management, (3) Irrigation Water Management, (4) Drinking Water and Rural/Urban Interface Education, (5) Water Policy and Economics, (6) Watershed Assessment and Modeling, and (7) Watershed Education and Restoration. The SRWQPC conducted face-to face planning meetings in St. Louis, Missouri in February and in Atlanta, Georgia in June to facilitate project implementation. New resources developed through the Project this period included refereed journal articles (22), fact sheets (60), proceedings and abstracts (95), training manuals (24), popular articles (220), radio, TV, and news releases, and videos. For example, the Animal Waste Management Team produced 8 educational videos demonstrating alternative waste management technologies. Numerous agent training workshops were conducted by the Watershed Education and Restoration Team including Effective Education in Developing Watersheds (November) in Asheville, NC and a series of stream restoration and stormwater management workshops. The Nutrient Management Team implemented coordinated field studies to evaluate the use of slow release nitrogen sources and initiated a 406 Integrated Project to conduct a CEAP synthesis. A series of webinars were developed and conducted, including Water Smart Landscaping, Yards and Neighborhoods, and Residential Water Collection, Reuse and Treatment. The web-based Drinking Water & Human Health (DWHH) FAQ database was expanded and averaged over 4,215 hits/day. The Project continued to enhance collaboration with 1890 institutions through expanded participation on the Program Teams. The regional database at http://srwqis.tamu.edu/ was visited approximately 18,000 times. Through an internal competitive grants process, 12 Special Projects developed by Program Teams and targeting existing or emerging issues in water resource management were funded. The Project continued to support efforts of the Committee for Shared Leadership (CSL) to foster a national program in concert with NIFA by linking the 406 regional projects and their network of research, education and extension professionals. The Project also led efforts by the CSL to organize and conduct the NIFA National Water Conference, and to produce the NIFA National Water Program Outcome Report, the NIFA National Water Quality Coordinators Directory, and the NIFA National Water Quality Program poster. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jimmy A. Bonner, Mississippi State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC and, as and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Mike Daniels, University of Arkansas serves as a member of the SRWQPC and, as and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Cassel Gardner, Florida A&M University serves as a member of the SRWQPC; is the 1890 Institution representative to the Committee for Shared Leadership for Water Quality (CSL-WQ); and participates in all planning meetings associated with the project. Dr. Eve Brantley, Auburn University serves as a member of the SRWQPC, Program Leader for Program Leader for Watershed Education and Restoration, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Calvin Sawyer, Clemson University serves as a member of the SRWQPC; and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Greg Jennings, North Carolina State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC, as Regional Coordinator for Region IV, and as a member of the CSL-WQ; serves as a PD for the Regional Project, as Program Leader for Watershed Education and Restoration. Dr. Jennings participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Brian LeBlanc, Louisiana State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Mark L. McFarland, Texas A&M University serves as a member of the SRWQPC, as Regional Coordinator for Region VI, and as a member of the CSL-WQ; and serves as PD for the Regional Project, as Program Leader for Nutrient Management. Dr. McFarland participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Tom Obreza, University of Florida serves as a member of the SRWQPC and co-leader for Irrigation Water Management and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. L. Mark Risse, University of Georgia serves as a member of the SRWQPC; serves as a Program Leader for Animal Waste Management participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Mr. R. Craig Runyan, New Mexico State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC and as Program Co-Leader for Irrigation Water Management, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Shawn Hawkins, University of Tennessee serves as a member of the SRWQPC and Program Leader for Animal Waste Management and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Michael D. Smolen, Oklahoma State University serves as a member of the SRWQPC, and, as PD for the regional project, as Co-Leader for Water Policy and Economics, and participates in all planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. Dr. Raghavan Srinivasan, Texas A&M University administers all activities associated with the regional water quality database and participates in planning efforts and meetings associated with the project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of this regional coordination project includes all watershed stakeholders in the southern region of the U.S. including students kindergarten through graduate/professional school; residents, homeowners, landowners and managers; city and county agencies; local, state and federal natural resource and regulatory agencies; and citizen groups including non-governmental organizations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The Southern Region Water Resources Project facilitated regional collaboration and multi-state efforts to enhance protection and management of water resources. Effective approaches for watershed management, pollution prevention and youth education were identified and shared among states using 7 multi-state, multi-disciplinary Program Teams. For example, the Water Policy and Economics Team coordinated a regional water survey which documents citizen attitudes and understanding of water resources across the South (in press), and conducted a regional conference addressing policy development for water resource management in the South. The Irrigation and Water Management program team developed an interactive youth water education game titled Water Ripples (http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/ watertaskforce) and developed and disseminated a series of irrigation management factsheets. The Watershed Education and Restoration program team developed the Watershed Steward Program, a 7-hour training program designed to enhance local stakeholder involvement in watershed planning; post-training surveys showed a 32% increase in knowledge and an 80% intention to adopt a new best management practice. The team also conducted agent training targeting Extension's Role in Developing Watersheds, and conducted the Southeast Regional Stream Restoration Conference in Asheville, NC, attended by 485 professionals from 22 states; post-training surveys documented significant increases in knowledge and understanding. Twelve stream restoration field workshops and 5 new demonstration projects were conducted in 3 states with 330 participants. Fifteen stormwater management field workshops and 5 new demonstration projects were conducted in 4 states with 550 participants. Six ecosystem restoration projects were implemented in Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina to demonstrate and evaluate innovative restoration techniques in a range of watershed conditions, including (1) coal mine reclamation site in Kentucky; (2) urban parks in Alabama; (3) mountain forest in North Carolina; and (4) urban floodplains in North Carolina. The Nutrient Management Team published an e-newsletter through the University of Florida which includes current research findings and recommendations for nutrient related water resource management issues; the team also published a technical article on variations among states in design and application of the P Index. The Drinking Water and Human Health team modified and enhanced the regional FAQs database which now includes over 2500 questions and receives over 4200 hits daily; and coordinated down-well camera efforts in Georgia, Kentucky and Texas to develop a web resource for well management. The Animal Waste Management team coordinated with the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center to conduct webcasts on important waste management issues in the Southern Region and nationally. Project team members worked with local, state and regional decision-makers in agencies and government to disseminate project results and support policy development for water resource management across the Southern Region.

Publications

  • Brantley, E. K. Smith, C. Tanner, T. Davis, F. Henning, P. Pugliese, M. Fonseca and E. Bauske. 2010. Advanced concepts in water smart landscape design, part III: Our landscapes, our streams, our watersheds. CD in review.
  • Crozier, C. R., R. Gehl, & D. L. Osmond. 2009. Evaluating organic soil amendments and fertilizer enhancers. Crops & Soils 42(2): pp 19-24.
  • Dukes, M. D., L. E. Trenholm, E. Gilman, C. J. Martinez, J. L. Cisar, T. H. Yeager, A. Shober and G. Denny. 2009. Frequently asked questions about landscape irrigation for Florida-Freiendly Landscaping ordinances. UF-IFAS Env. Hort. Dept. ENH1114. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wq142).
  • Dukes, M. D. and D. Z. Haman. 2009. Operation of residential irrigation controllers. UF-IFAS Agric. and Biol. Eng. Dept. Cir. 1421. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae220).
  • Dukes, M. D. 2009. Smart irrigation controllers: What makes an irrigation controller smart UF-IFAS Agric. and Biol. Eng. Dept. AE442. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae442).
  • Henning, F., P. Pugliesse, C. Tanner, T. Davis, E. Brantley, K. Smith, M. Fonseca and E. Bauske. 2010. Advanced concepts in water smart landscape design, part II: The finer points of landscape design. UGA Coop. Ext. Elec. Bul. CD-048.
  • Johnsely, C. and G. B. Reddy. 2010. Sorption and desorption of phosphorus by shale: batch and column studies. Water Sci.Technol.61:599-606.1. Beginners SWAT/APEX-Workshop from November 16 to 18 at NCA&T.
  • Kang, J., D.L. Hesterberg, and D.L. Osmond. 2009. Soil Organic Matter Effects on Phosphorus Sorption: A Path Analysis. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 73:360-366.
  • Line, D. E., G. D. Jennings, M. B. Shaffer, J. Calabria, W. F. Hunt. 2008. Evaluating the effectiveness of two stormwater wetlands in North Carolina. ASABE Paper 083714 presented at the 2008 Am. Soc. Agric. Bio. Eng. Annual Intl. Meeting, June 29 to July 22, 2008, Providence, RI.
  • McLaughlin, R. A., S. A. Hayes, D. L. Clinton, M. S. McCaleb, and G. D. Jennings. 2009. Water quality improvements using modified sediment control systems on construction sites. Trans. ASABE 52(6):1859-1867.
  • McLaughlin, R. A., S. E. King, and G. D. Jennings. 2009. Improving construction site runoff quality with fiber check dams and polyacrylamide. J. Soil & Water Cons. 64(2):144-154.
  • McLaughlin, R. A., S. E. King, and G. D. Jennings. 2009. Promising new practice reduces turbidity levels from construction sites. EPA Nonpoint Source News-Notes 88:8-10.
  • Mukundan, R., D.E. Radcliffe, J. Ritchie, and R. McKinley. 2010. Sediment fingerprinting to determine the source of suspended sediment in a Southern Piedmont stream. J. Environ. Qual.
  • Oldham, J. L. 2010. Mississippi (Lancaster) Extraction for Macro- and Micronutrients. in F. Sikora (Ed.) Methods used in public testing laboratories in the southern United States. Southern Extension and Research Information and Exchange Group 6.
  • Oldham, J. L., L. Sonon, and D. E. Kissell. 2010. Soil testing for cotton on Coastal Plain soils. pp 5 to 7. in C. Mitchell (Ed.) Research based soil test interpretations and recommendations for cotton on Coastal Plain soil. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin no. 410. ISBN 1581614101.
  • Tanner, C., T. Davis, K. Smith, E. Brantley, F. Henning, P. Pugliese, G. Wade, M. Fonseca, E. Bauske. 2009. Advanced concepts in water smart landscape design, part I: Landscape Planning and Design. UGA Coop. Ext. Elec. Bul. CD044.
  • Tullos, D. D., D. L. Penrose, G. D. Jennings, and W. G. Cope. 2009. Analysis of functional traits in reconfigured channels: implications for the bioassessment and disturbance of river restoration. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 28(1):80 to 92.
  • Violin, C., D. Penrose, G. D. Jennings, E. S. Bernhardt, and D. Palange. 2009. A quantitative assessment of stream restoration success. in: Proc. NABS Annual Conf., May 16 to 23, 2009, Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Morgan, K. T., E. A. Hanlon, and T. A. Obreza. 2009. A web-based irigation scheduling model to improve water use efficiency and reduce nutrient leaching for Florida citrus. UF-IFAS Soil and Water Sci. Dept. SL286. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss499).
  • Mukundan, R., Radcliffe, D.E., Simon, A., and Klimentz, L. 2009. Rapid geomorphic assessment and sediment tracking, North Fork Broad River, Georgia. 2009. 2009 USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference Abstracts. Available online at: http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2009/Abstracts/Wshedoral/M ukundan09.pdf
  • Mukundan, R., Radcliffe, D.E., Ritchie, J. and McKinley, R. 2009. Sediment fingerprinting to determine the source of suspended sediment in a Southern Piedmont Stream. Soil Science Society of America 2009 abstract. Available online at: http://acs.confex.com/crops/2009am/webprogram/Paper52628.html
  • Mukundan, R., D.E. Radcliffe, M. and Risse. 2010. Soil database resolution effect on SWAT model predictions of sediment in a Southern Piedmont watershed. J. Soil Water Conserv.