ESTABLISHMENT OF A HYDROLOGIC OBSERVATORY TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM AGRO-ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH IN THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: OTHER GRANTS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1010558
• Grant No.: 2017-70001-25982
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $299,506.00
• Proposal No.: 2016-06408
• Project Start Date: Jan 1, 2017
• Project End Date: Dec 31, 2021
• Grant Year: 2017
• Program Code: [NLGCA]- Capacity Building Grants for Non Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - PLATTEVILLE
1 UNIVERSITY PLAZA
PLATTEVILLE,WI 53818

Performing Department
(N/A)

Non Technical Summary
The primary goal of the proposed project is the establishment of a Long-Term Hydrologic Observatory in the upper reaches of the Fever River Watershed. The observatory would be one of many similar such observatories supporting the Long-Term Agro-ecosystems Research program within the USDA Agricultural Research Service. In addition to providing discharge data, the project will evaluate two real-time, in situ water quality monitoring methods currently employed in the LTAR network. The two in situ systems (NITRATAX and S::CAN) will be compared with laboratory analyzed discrete samples to determine if concentration estimates are significantly different.While the Hydrologic Observatory will be established by UW-Platteville it is important to note the synergy created by the UW-Platteville - UW-Stevens Point collaboration. Platteville will benefit from the modelling and water chemistry expertise of Stevens Point faculty as well as the direct connection that faculty has with UW-Extension. Through Dr. McGinley's role as a natural resources Extension Educator he will facilitate transfer of the agricultural research data to Extension audiences and provide an avenue for feedback on research activities. Likewise, Stevens Point will benefit from the collaboration with Platteville as their institution does not have access to agricultural research facilities comparable to those at Platteville. This collaboration provides Stevens Point students a much needed experiential, hands-on agricultural research opportunity prior to commencing their professional career- many of whom will work in an agricultural-related field. Moreover, the hardware and monitoring methods will be incorporated into classroom and laboratory activities at UW-Stevens Point.

Animal Health Component

100%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

100%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	0320	2050	100%

Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships;

Subject Of Investigation
0320 - Watersheds;

Field Of Science
2050 - Hydrology;

Keywords

agriculture

ecosystems

hydrologic

research

Goals / Objectives
Target Research Objectives:Establish a Long-Term Hydrologic Observatory within the headwaters of the Fever River Watershed. A priority for the USDA ARS LTAR program is the establishment of hydrologic observatories within the upper reaches of watersheds at research sites. The function of the observatories is to provide comparable data sets across the United States for model development, a greater understanding of local hydrology, and multi-scale data (e.g. plot, field, watershed).Determine accuracy of in-situ sensors used to quantify nitrate and carbon concentrations in surface-water. Currently the USDA ARS Beltsville Lab has deployed the S::CAN monitoring system while the National Lab for Agriculture and the Environment has deployed the NITRATAX system to measure real-time stream nitrate concentrations. We will install both sondes in our observatory and compare both sensor outputs against lab analyzed sample results.Link the watershed-scale water quality data to field-scale research data. Develop novel strategies to advance our understanding of how flowpath chemistry can be used to develop strategies to meet nutrient export objectives in agricultural watersheds.Quantify the temporal variability of dissolved organic carbon concentrations in the stream, and develop a partial carbon budget using data from the hydrologic observatory, edge-of-field runoff losses, and in-field carbon dioxide efflux measurements. While DOC plays an important role in terrestrial and aquatic carbon and nutrient cycles there is limited information on the source and fate of DOC in agricultural catchments. We will use data collected at the catchment, edge-of-field, and infield scale to construct a partial carbon budget in order to determine the significance agriculture land use has on the total DOC loss from the catchment. Research Category Need Area Addressed: Multidisciplinary studies in experimentation in food and agricultural sciences.Target Outreach Objectives:Conduct outreach through UW-Extension to share project results and obtain input on current and future activities. Use information collected to better communicate to outreach audiences (nonpoint, point, regulators, citizen groups) how agricultural watersheds function as controls over baseflow and eventflow chemistry. This topic is of particular importance in the Midwest US and Wisconsin as we link nutrient criteria for surface waters with point source permits and nonpoint source participation in adaptive management and watershed trading.Outreach Category Need Area Addressed: Community and economic development. Outreach activities will target community stakeholders dealing with adaptive management and nutrient trading. Outreach will support their efforts to understand the relationship between agricultural land management and nutrient loading to surface-water bodies. Target Educational Objectives:Develop opportunities for undergraduate hands-on experiential learning. Project activities and results will be incorporated courses in the College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point.Education Need Areas Addressed: curriculum design, materials development, scientific instrumentation for teaching and research, student experiential learning, and collaborative interaction with other academic institutions.

Project Methods
Research Objective 1: Establish a Long-Term Hydrologic Observatory. Methods used for the establishment of the proposed observatory will follow those described by Hively et al. (2006) for determining discharge. Briefly, those methods are as follows. A trapezoidal approach channel will be installed in the stream channel to direct flow into a combination v-notch and Cipolletti weir. The v-notch weir will allow for accurate flow measurement under low-flow (i.e. baseflow) conditions. During high-flow events, discharge will be estimated with the Cipolletti weir. Stage will be measured every minute during event-flow conditions, and every 15 minutes during base-flow conditions using an ultrasonic range detecting sensor. Sensor output will be stored in a data logger (e.g. Campbell scientific cr206) and will be used to calculate discharge in conjunction with the structure's rating curve. It is expected that the discharge estimates produced by the gauging station will have a 10% error during base-flow and event-flow conditions (Harmel et al. 2006).Research Objective 2: Determine accuracy of in-situ sensors used to quantify nitrate and carbon concentrations in surface-water.S::CAN in situ system. A peristaltic pump will retrieve stream water from a location immediately above the stream gauge via a 3/8" hose on a 30-minute interval. The screened hose inlet will be located 3" above stream bed within the trapezoidal channel. The sample line will be connected to a flow cell housing the in-situ sensors (Figure 10). Time-stamped sensor output data will be logged on the system controller. Prior to sample collection the flow cell is cleaned with compressed CO2 and 2 times per day the flow cell is cleaned with dilute bleach-water mixture to prevent biofouling.NITRATAX in situ system. Unlike the S::CAN system described above, the NITRATAX sonde will be placed directly in the stream. Figure 11 illustrates installation requirements needed for proper operation of the sensor and includes a photo of the sensor installed in an Iowa stream. Data output will be collected from the NITRATAX sensor concurrent with data collection from the S::CAN system so that a direct comparison of results can be made. (Note: this hardware will be purchased with funding from an alternative source. We are not requesting grant dollars to purchase this hardware.)Conventional sample collection with laboratory analysis. Discrete samples (1-liter) will be collected using a water sampler (e.g. ISCO 3700) concurrent with the sample retrieval for in-situ analysis. Discrete samples will be retrieved from the gauging station and shipped to the Univ. of WI-Stevens Point WEAL (in accordance with QAQC guidelines) for analysis (nitrate, total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, turbidity and alkalinity).Research Objective 3: Develop strategies at multiple scales to understand of how flowpath chemistry can be used to realize nutrient export objectives in agricultural watersheds.Obtain flow data collected by the observatory (Research Objective 1) and concentration data collected by in situ and laboratory analyzed samples (Research Objective 2) at the field and watershed scales using techniques and methods described in Objective 2. (note: for this objective we will be measuring total suspended solids, dissolved phosphorus, total phosphorus, chloride, and major ions in addition to parameters measured in objective 2.) Evaluate continuous conductivity and nitrate data with flow using baseflow separation and simple end member mixing analysis (EMMA). Link discrete sample analysis for phosphorus (dissolved reactive and total) with EMMA analysis. Polar organic tracers including agricultural pharmaceuticals and herbicide metabolites will be included in the event grab sampling. Modeling field-scale / watershed scale linkage by developing a short-time step hydraulic / chemistry model that routes field edge flow rates and baseflow.Research Objective 4: Quantify the temporal variability of dissolved organic carbon concentrations in the stream, and develop a partial carbon budget using data from the hydrologic observatory, edge-of-field runoff losses, and in-field carbon dioxide efflux measurements.This research objective will rely on data collected via objectives 1 and 2, described above. Following data collection, data will be analyzed as described below.Outreach Objective 1. Communicate to outreach audiences (nonpoint, point, regulators, citizen groups) how agricultural watersheds function as controls over baseflow and eventflow chemistry. The outreach program will target audiences working with adaptive management and nutrient credit training programs. Our approach will focus on "applied landscape biogeochemistry" by incorporating the improved conceptual understanding of watershed functioning into presentations that audiences can use to create their own watershed management approach. We anticipate two principal outreach areas: 1) communicating the connection between field and stream to point and nonpoint audiences; and 2) incorporating a stronger understanding of uncertainty in management prescriptions for effecting stream concentration change.Education Objective 1: Incorporate monitoring of agricultural watershed flowpaths chemistry into courses in the College of Natural Resources. The activities in this objective are focused on providing undergraduate students experiential learning opportunities in the field and laboratory. Field experience starts with sampling and instrumentation and culminates in data evaluation exploring how water moves through the watershed and impacts the water quality in the stream. Laboratory experience starts with bench analysis of major ions through alkalinity, appearance through turbidity, advances to instrumental analysis using flow injection analysis and inductively coupled plasma, and then culminates in either LC/MS of polar organic compounds or contrasting the evolution of water chemistry at the watershed scale.

Progress 01/01/17 to 12/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Despite significant restrictions on travel and face-to-face meetings during much of 2020 and 2021, we did reach several target audiences, including: lake associations, farmer-led watershed groups, Tribal College and University Representatives, state agency personnel, private industry, and undergraduate students. During this project overall we have reached multiple target audiences and presented project-related information and data to increase awareness and improve decision-making. Specific examples include: attending and participating in farmer-led watershed field days, annual meetings, monthly meetings with producer groups, presentation to technical educational programs, training events for stomwater contractors, webinars for volunteer organizations, and by providing information to groups and individuals that tour our research facilities. Changes/Problems:Damage to equipment due heater failure and freezing temperatures resulted in incomplete data collection and equipment failure. Moreover, delays in acquiring replacement components resulted in missed opportunities for spring snow-melt data collection. Damage to equipment due to power surges induced by lightning strikes. COVID-19 travel / meeting restrictions. On-line / virtual meeting burnout and apathy within stakeholder groups, farmers, extension personnel, and researchers. COVID-19 supply chain issues have continued to challenge project goals and deliverables as discussed previously. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Please see above, but in summary the addition of the Agricultural Hydrology Course means that the data and infrastructure are a key compenent of this course. However, COVID-19 restrictions have complicated in-field experiential learning activities. The data and infrastructure were also leveraged for the purposes of training WI Dept. of Natural Resources personnel and for certification training programs related to construction site erosion control and stormwater permit compliance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated via virtual field days, on-line meetings, and increasingly through the development and implementation of the Agricultural Hydrology Course. In addition, work has been contributed to refereed journal articles, popular press articles, farmer-led watershed group newsletters, and limited face-to-face presentations. Please see above for a complete list of project products through the life of the grant. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have significantly impacted project activities. However, we have several accomplishments to report. The list below provides a brief discussion of our accomplishments within each of our target objectives. Research Objectives: A Hydrologic Observatory was established at UW-Platteville to support the Long-Term Agroecosystems Research program. This observatory has shown that in situ real-time sensors can provide water quality data comparable to lab analyzed water samples. The observatory is currently still in operation beyond this grant funding stream. Data collected through this observatory has been presented and disseminated to a variety of different stakeholders through a variety of presentations, publications, and other media. There are, however, some gaps in our data collection record due to equipment damage (lightning and ice) and significant problems aquiring replacement equipment due to COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. Outreach Objectives: Data and data products were shared virtually with stakeholders, farmer-led watershed groups, extension personnel, Tribal College and University personnel, and research scientists. Education Objectives: Educational activities continued to be meet despite COVID-19 restrictions. We were able to utilize the Hydrologic Observatory and data as a key component of a new class and curriculum (Applied Agricultural Hydrology) which a core class for the new Agricultural Hydrology and Water Quality emphasis within the Soil and Crop Science Major at UWPlatteville. This class is also a major elective for all students within the Soil and Crop Science Major.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Using Runoff Rates and Stream Hydrochemistry to Understand Stream Phosphorus Concentrations in Southwestern Wisconsin, P.M McGinley, J. Haucke, D. Busch
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Russell A., D.L. Busch, P. McGinley, G. McCarty, T. Moorman, and A.D. Cartmill. 2019. Establishment of a Hydrologic Observatory to Support Long-Term Agro-ecosystem Research, Education, and Outreach in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Non-land-grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities Annual Conference, San Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, 21st  23rd October 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Cartmill A.D., D.L. Busch, M. Lee, and T. Moorman. 2019. Sustainable Intensification of Agroecosystems: The Role of Instrumented Farms at the Local, Regional, and Global Scale, Non-land-grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities Annual Conference, San Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, 21st  23rd October 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Parlato*, L., Egan*, L., Nitka, A., McGinley, P. 2019. Method Development to Assess Monensin Concentration in Agricultural Runoff Water and Sediment. Abstract and poster presented at the American Water Resources Association-Wisconsin Section Annual Meeting. February, 2019. Delavan, WI. (Undergraduate Research Presentation)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: McGinley, P., Haucke, J., Busch, D. 2019. Using Runoff Rates and Stream Hydrochemistry to Understand Stream Phosphorus Concentrations in Southwestern Wisconsin. Abstract and poster presented at the American Water Resources Association- Wisconsin Section Annual Meeting. February, 2019. Delavan, WI.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nitka, A. and A. DeMeyer*. 2019. Application of Monensin as a Tracer for Manure Impacts on Water Quality. Published abstract and poster presentation at the American Geophysical Union annual meeting. San Francisco, CA. December 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Moorman, T., D.L. Busch, A.D. Cartmill, et al. 2019. Annual Report: Upper Mississippi River Basin. United States Department of Agriculture Long Term Agroecosystem Research Network Meeting, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, 4-6 June 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Cartmill, A.D., D.L. Busch, and M. Lee. 2020. Monitoring Opportunities and Research Abroad  Planning and Opportunity. At: Global Farm Platform Workshop: Metrics for Sustainability  Connecting Farm Platforms.24-26 February 2020.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Cartmill, A.D., D.L. Busch, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2020. Greg Thoren Demonstration Plot: Soil Health and Water Quality Data Summary. In: Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Summer 2020 Virtual Field Day. pp. 4-7.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Cartmill, A.D., D.L. Busch, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2020. Greg Thoren Demonstration Plot: Soil Health and Water Quality Data Summary. In: Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Summer 2020 Virtual Field Day.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Busch, D.L., A.D. Cartmill, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2020. Effect of Agronomic Practices on Soil Health and Water Quality. In: Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance Newsletter 28th December 2020.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: DeMeyer, A., McGinley, P., Nitka, A. 2020. Sorption of Monensin to Soil in Agricultural Runoff. Poster presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: McGinley, P. 2020. Collaborating to Connect Wisconsin Agriculture & Water Quality presentation to the Water@UW Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin Symposium, December 11, 2020
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jordana Rivero, M., A.C.O. Evans, A. Berndt, A.D. Cartmill, A. Dowsey, A. Farruggia, C., Mignolet, D. Enriquez-Hidalgo, D. Chadwick, D.I. McCraken, D. Busch, F. Pereyra, G.B. Martin, G. Sanford, H. Sheridan, I. Wright, L. Brunet, M.C. Eisler, N. Lopez-Villalobos, P. Rovira, P. Harris, P. Murphy, A. Prysor Williams, R.D. Jackson, R. Machado, Suraj P.T., T. Puesch, T.M. Boland, W. Ayala, M.R.F. Lee. 2021.Taking the Steps Toward Sustainable Livestock: Our Multidisciplinary Global Farm Platform Journey. Animal Frontiers 11(5): 52-58.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jordana Rivero, M., N. Lopez-Villalobos, A. Evans, A. Berndt, A.D. Cartmill, A.L. Neal, A. McLaren, A. Farruggia, C. Mignolet, D. Chadwick, D. Styles, D. McCraken, D. Busch, G.B. Martin, H. Fleming, H. Sheridan, J. Gibbons, L. Merbold, M. Eisler, N. Lambe, P. Rovira, P. Harris, P. Murphy, P.E. Vercoe, P. Williams, R. Machado, T. Takahashi, T. Puech, T. Boland, W. Ayala, and M.R.F Lee. 2021. Key Trait for Ruminant Livestock Across Diverse Production Systems in the Context of Climate Change: Perspectives from a Global Platform of Research Farms. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 33(2): 1-19.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. Agricultural Research Today for a Better Tomorrow. Scientia. https://doi.org/10.33548/SCIENTIA636.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch D.L., A.D. Cartmill, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2021. Greg Thoren Demonstration Plot: Soil Health and Water Quality Data Summary. In: Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Summer 2021 Field Day, 16 July 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. On Farm Data Collection: Soil Health and Water Quality. The Apple Canyon Watershed: Presentation Series, Apple Canyon River, IL, 20 April 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch, D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. Agroecosystem Research Update, Lafayette Ag Sustainability Alliance Annual Meeting, 24 February 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch, D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. Pioneer Farm Agroecosystem Research: Agroecosystem Research Overview. DR/FFAR Partner Kickoff Meeting, 8 February 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: McGinley, P. 2018-2021. Construction Site Erosion Control and Stormwater Permit Compliance Training. Presentations at the North American Stormwater Education Association Training
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: McGinley, P. 2021. Groundwater Nitrogen and Lakes Presentation to the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee-- Water Quality Technical Section Spring Meeting (virtual) March 17, 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2021 Citation: Eide, G., 202?. Comparison of Nitrogen and Trace Organic Compounds in Two Headwater Streams. Undergraduate Research Symposium, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Progress 01/01/21 to 12/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Despite significant restrictions on travel and face-to-face meetings during much of 2021, we did reach several target audiences, including: lake associations, farmer-led watershed groups, Tribal College and University Representatives, state agency personnel, private industry, and undergraduate students. Changes/Problems:COVID-19 supply chain issues have continued to challenge project goals and deliverables as discussed previously. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Please see above, but in summary the addition of the Agricultural Hydrology Course means that the data and infrastructure are a key compenent of this course. However, COVID-19 restrictions have complicated in-field experiential learning activities. The data and infrastructure were also leveraged for the purposes of training WI Dept. of Natural Resources personnel and for certification training programs related to construction site erosion control and stormwater permit compliance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated via virtual field days, on-line meetings, and increasingly through the development and implementation of the Agricultural Hydrology Course. In addition, work has been contributed to refereed journal articles, popular press articles, farmer-led watershed group newsletters, and limited face-to-face presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?While 2021 is the last year of USDA NIFA funding available to support the Hydrologic Observatory, we have secured alternative funding streams which will support, at least in part, continued operation and maintenance of the Hydrologic Observatory. We will continue to utilize this infrastructure to build relationship and contribute data to scientific community to support ongoing and future work.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have significantly impacted project activities. However, we have several accomplishments to report. The list below provides a brief discussion of our accomplishments within each of our target objectives. Research Objectives: The Hydrologic Observatory continued operations in 2021. There were, however, some gaps in data collection record due to equipment damage (lightning) and significant problems aquiring replacement equipment due to COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. Outreach Objectives: Data and data products were shared virtually with stakeholders, farmer-led watershed groups, extension personnel, Tribal College and University personnel, and research scientists. Education Objectives: Educational activities continued to be meet despite COVID-19 restrictions. We were able to utilize the Hydrologic Observatory and data as a key component of a new class and curriculum (Applied Agricultural Hydrology) which a core class for the new Agricultural Hydrology and Water Quality emphasis within the Soil and Crop Science Major at UW-Platteville. This class is also a major elective for all students within the Soil and Crop Science Major.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jordana Rivero, M., A.C.O. Evans, A. Berndt, A.D. Cartmill, A. Dowsey, A. Farruggia, C., Mignolet, D. Enriquez-Hidalgo, D. Chadwick, D.I. McCraken, D. Busch, F. Pereyra, G.B. Martin, G. Sanford, H. Sheridan, I. Wright, L. Brunet, M.C. Eisler, N. Lopez-Villalobos, P. Rovira, P. Harris, P. Murphy, A. Prysor Williams, R.D. Jackson, R. Machado, Suraj P.T., T. Puesch, T.M. Boland, W. Ayala, M.R.F. Lee. 2021.Taking the Steps Toward Sustainable Livestock: Our Multidisciplinary Global Farm Platform Journey. Animal Frontiers 11(5): 52-58.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jordana Rivero, M., N. Lopez-Villalobos, A. Evans, A. Berndt, A.D. Cartmill, A.L. Neal, A. McLaren, A. Farruggia, C. Mignolet, D. Chadwick, D. Styles, D. McCraken, D. Busch, G.B. Martin, H. Fleming, H. Sheridan, J. Gibbons, L. Merbold, M. Eisler, N. Lambe, P. Rovira, P. Harris, P. Murphy, P.E. Vercoe, P. Williams, R. Machado, T. Takahashi, T. Puech, T. Boland, W. Ayala, and M.R.F Lee. 2021. Key Trait for Ruminant Livestock Across Diverse Production Systems in the Context of Climate Change: Perspectives from a Global Platform of Research Farms. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 33(2): 1-19.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. Agricultural Research Today for a Better Tomorrow. Scientia. https://doi.org/10.33548/SCIENTIA636.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch D.L., A.D. Cartmill, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2021. Greg Thoren Demonstration Plot: Soil Health and Water Quality Data Summary. In: Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Summer 2021 Field Day, 16 July 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. On Farm Data Collection: Soil Health and Water Quality. The Apple Canyon Watershed: Presentation Series, Apple Canyon River, IL, 20 April 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch, D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. Agroecosystem Research Update, Lafayette Ag Sustainability Alliance Annual Meeting, 24 February 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Busch, D.L. and A.D. Cartmill. 2021. Pioneer Farm Agroecosystem Research: Agroecosystem Research Overview. DR/FFAR Partner Kickoff Meeting, 8 February 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: McGinley, P. 2018-2021. Construction Site Erosion Control and Stormwater Permit Compliance Training. Presentations at the North American Stormwater Education Association Training
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: McGinley, P. 2021. Groundwater Nitrogen and Lakes Presentation to the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee-- Water Quality Technical Section Spring Meeting (virtual) March 17, 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: McGinley, P. 2021. Groundwater, Nitrate, Lakes Presentation to the Wisconsin DNR Nitrogen Team Meeting, April 21, 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2021 Citation: Eide, G., 202?. Comparison of Nitrogen and Trace Organic Compounds in Two Headwater Streams. Undergraduate Research Symposium, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Progress 01/01/20 to 12/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Meetings were held with stakeholders, extension personnel, farmers and researcher scientists. However, the onset of COVID-19 and associated restrictions on gatherings and travel made interactions more complicated and there was a technology lag in moving to online platforms. Changes/Problems:COVID-19 restrictions. On-line / virtual meeting burnout and apathy within stakeholder groups, farmers, extension personnel, and researchers. Power surge (potentially lightning) at observatory resulted in significant damage to monitoring systems. This was compounded by COVID-19 restrictions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Data was included in compliance training for construction site erosion control and stormwater permiting. Other activities were heavily restricted due university COVID-19 policies. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been diseminated to communities of interest through presentations at an internation conference in the United Kingdom, and virtual field days, on-line meetings, and farmer-led watershed reports and newsletters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to continue objectives laid out within the grant proposal. However, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions are making this challenging.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The following section describes project accomplishments related to research, outreach, and educational goals. COVID-19 and associated restrictions made all activities extremely challenging. Highlights as follows. Research Objective Accomplishments: Monitoring systems were operated and maintained in order to continue planned data collections. Outreach Objective Accomplishments: Meetings were held virtually where possible with stakeholders, farmers, research scientists and extension personnel. Data was shared and leveraged for future grant opportunities. Education Objective Accomplishments: Number of students reached was heavily curtailed due to university restrictions face-to-face meetings, classes, and travel. However, we did manage to incorporate 7 students into the ongoing observatory grant-supported research.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Cartmill, A.D., D.L. Busch, and M. Lee. 2020. Monitoring Opportunities and Research Abroad  Planning and Opportunity. At: Global Farm Platform Workshop: Metrics for Sustainability  Connecting Farm Platforms.24-26 February 2020.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Cartmill, A.D., D.L. Busch, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2020. Greg Thoren Demonstration Plot: Soil Health and Water Quality Data Summary. In: Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Summer 2020 Virtual Field Day. pp. 4-7.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Cartmill, A.D., D.L. Busch, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2020. Greg Thoren Demonstration Plot: Soil Health and Water Quality Data Summary. In: Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Summer 2020 Virtual Field Day.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Busch, D.L., A.D. Cartmill, W. Keast*, and M. Harper. 2020. Effect of Agronomic Practices on Soil Health and Water Quality. In: Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance Newsletter 28th December 2020.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: DeMeyer, A., McGinley, P., Nitka, A. 2020. Sorption of Monensin to Soil in Agricultural Runoff. Poster presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: McGinley, P. 2020. Collaborating to Connect Wisconsin Agriculture & Water Quality presentation to the Water@UW Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin Symposium, December 11, 2020.

Progress 01/01/19 to 12/31/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Outreach efforts included a range of target audiences and activities, including: Hosted international staff (3) and students (21) from Myerscough College, Preston, Lancashire, UK, 17-19 April 2019: Prepared and presented summaries of research which were presented a local, regional, and national meetings for scientistific audiences; Prepared and presented summaries of research for local and regional watershed stakeholders, farmer-led organizations, county extension personnel, tribal college representatives, and the general public; Continued to provide opportunities for hands-on learning and undergraduate research, and developed and delivered a variety of course material for undergraduate students enrolled in introductory classes within the soil and crop program at UW-Platteville. Changes/Problems:As previously reported, the damage to equipment due heater failure and freezing temperatures resulted in incomplete data collection and equipment failure. Moreover, delays in acquiring replacement components resulted in missed opportunities for spring snow-melt data collection. The duration of the project may need to be extended in order to capture this type of data. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities have been provided to local and international undergraduate students for hands-on experiential learning focused on water monitoring through the established hydrologic observatory and associate monitoring platforms. These activities include sensor installation, calibration, troubleshooting, data collection, and data analysis. In addition students learned how to determine discharge rates in open channel flow conditions and how to evaluate water quality based on biological indicators. Data collected was leveraged into additional projects and granting opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?As stated in the prior section, results have been disseminated through a variety of activities, including: Site tours and research demonstrations were provided to international staff (3) and students (21) from Myerscough College, Preston, Lancashire, UK, 17-19 April 2019: Project poster and oral presentations were prepared and presented at local, regional, and national meetings for scientistific audiences; Project work was presented at field days, monthly meetings, and annual meetings sponsored by local and regional watershed stakeholders, farmer-led organizations, county extension personnel, and the general public; Hands-on learning and undergraduate research activities were developed and delivered a variety of course material for undergraduate students enrolled in introductory classes within the soil and crop program at UW-Platteville. Interviews were granted to local and regional news outlets to disseminate or highlight ongoing project activities, usually assocaited with local farmer-led watershed groups; and Virtual presentations and discussions were conducted with tribal college representatives. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During our next reporting period we will continue to operate and maintain the hydrologic observatory and associated monitoring platforms for the purposes of collecting water quantity and quality data, and meeting the obligations of the project. As data is collected and analyzed the results will continue to be shared amoungst stakeholders and other interested parties and will be used to support ongoing research, education, and outreach efforts.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Accomplishments Within Target Research Objectives The Hydrologic Observatory was established prior 2019, however harsh winter conditions coupled with a heater failure resulted in significant damage (as described in prior reports) which required reestablishment of sensor platforms in 2019. Acquisition of replacement hardware resulted in gaps in data collection records. However, data collected was utilize for a variety of different scientific investigations, including: Method Development to Assess Monensin Concentration in Agricultural Runoff Water and Sediment; Using Runoff Rates and Stream Hydrochemistry to Understand Stream Phosphorus Concentrations in Southwestern Wisconsin; and Application of Monensin as a Tracer for Manure Impacts on Water Quality. Please see the "Publications" section for a complete reference for these activities.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Russell A., D.L. Busch, P. McGinley, G. McCarty, T. Moorman, and A.D. Cartmill. 2019. Establishment of a Hydrologic Observatory to Support Long-Term Agro-ecosystem Research, Education, and Outreach in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Non-land-grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities Annual Conference, San Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, 21st  23rd October 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Cartmill A.D., D.L. Busch, M. Lee, and T. Moorman. 2019. Sustainable Intensification of Agroecosystems: The Role of Instrumented Farms at the Local, Regional, and Global Scale, Non-land-grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities Annual Conference, San Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, 21st  23rd October 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Parlato*, L., Egan*, L., Nitka, A., McGinley, P. 2019. Method Development to Assess Monensin Concentration in Agricultural Runoff Water and Sediment. Abstract and poster presented at the American Water Resources Association- Wisconsin Section Annual Meeting. February, 2019. Delavan, WI. (Undergraduate Research Presentation)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: McGinley, P., Haucke, J., Busch, D. 2019. Using Runoff Rates and Stream Hydrochemistry to Understand Stream Phosphorus Concentrations in Southwestern Wisconsin. Abstract and poster presented at the American Water Resources Association- Wisconsin Section Annual Meeting. February, 2019. Delavan, WI.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nitka, A. and A. DeMeyer*. 2019. Application of Monensin as a Tracer for Manure Impacts on Water Quality. Published abstract and poster presentation at the American Geophysical Union annual meeting. San Francisco, CA. December 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Moorman, T., D.L. Busch, A.D. Cartmill, et al. 2019. Annual Report: Upper Mississippi River Basin. United States Department of Agriculture Long Term Agroecosystem Research Network Meeting, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, 4-6 June 2019.

Progress 01/01/18 to 12/31/18

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period we have reached multiple target audiences and presented project-related information and data to increase awareness and improve decision-making. Specific examples include: attending and participating in farmer-led watershed field days, annual meetings, monthly meetings with producer groups, presentation to technical educational programs, training events for stomwater contractors, webinars for volunteer organizations, and by providing information to groups and individuals that tour our research facilities. Changes/Problems:During the winter of 2018/2019 significant cold temperatures were observed. Unfortunately, during the coldest portion of the winter our heating system failed at the observatory. As a result, the test chambers that were filled with water froze and burst. This damage rendered the hardware unusable. Replacement of components was delayed due to international shippment and reinstallation did not occur until after the end of the winter. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reporting period we introduced a natural resources undergraduate student intern to flowpath chemistry at the site with a field visit and measuring alkalinity of field runoff. Method development to measure the agricultural feed additive monensin using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. We have continued to rotate students (10) through various research activities including collection of soil carbon data, operation and maintenance of the observatory, measurement and data collection with pasture research projects, and operation of edge-of-field surface-water runoff gauging stations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of the research project have been disseminated to communitities of interest through participation at local field days with producer-led watershed groups, presentations at winter meetings, creation and display of research posters at various scientific and educational venues. Moreover, results have been disseminated to students through direct participation on grant-related activities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to continue to address goals and objectives as described in the grant narrative.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Establish a Long-Term Hydrologic Observatory within the headwaters of the Fever River Watershed. During the reporting period we have completed the establishment of the observatory including installation of a Hach in situ nitrate probe, Realtech in situ water quality monitoriong system, and the SCAN in situ monitoring system. Orignal objective was to install only the SCAN and Hach systems however due additional resources provided by USDA ARS, we were able to include the Realtech system as well. The observatory also includes several ancillary systems required to operate the in situ monitoring sensors including a significant solar panel array, battery bank, and charge control system; heat systems, telemetry (Ethernet bridge), and remote camera systems. All systems have been installed and maintened by on site personnel. Determine accuracy of in-situ sensors used to quantify nitrate and carbon concentrations in surface-water. Data collection from each of the three in situ systems has been maintained during the reporting period. Future data analysis will compare results from each of the system as well as lab analyzed time based composite samples. Link the watershed-scale water quality data to field-scale research data. During the reporting period we introduced a natural resources undergraduate student intern to flowpath chemistry at the site with a field visit and measuring alkalinity of field runoff. Method development to measure the agricultural feed additive monensin using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. We anticipate using this compound as a chemical tracer for agricultural surface runoff. R programming to develop scripts for hydrograph separation and end member mixing analysis. Quantify the temporal variability of dissolved organic carbon concentrations in the stream, and develop a partial carbon budget using data from the hydrologic observatory, edge-of-field runoff losses, and in-field carbon dioxide efflux measurements. During the reporting period we have continued to collect carbon data related to: soil carbon level, in-field carbon dioxide flux, in stream carbon concentrations, and edge-of-field runoff losses. Conduct outreach through UW-Extension to share project results and obtain input on current and future activities Extension activities during the reporting period include: annual meeting of the North American Stormwater Education Association - Wisconsin Section on phosphorus (Wisconsin Dells, Winter, 2019). Training for stormwater contractors (Waukesha WI, Fall, 2018). Webinar for the Wisconsin Water Action Volunteers "What is the water telling us about the land" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGDZsXxZgIo&feature=youtu.be Develop opportunities for undergraduate hands-on experiential learning. During the reporting period we introduced a natural resources undergraduate student intern to flowpath chemistry at the site with a field visit and measuring alkalinity of field runoff. Method development to measure the agricultural feed additive monensin using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. We have continued to rotate students (10) through various research activities including collection of soil carbon data, operation and maintenance of the observatory, measurement and data collection with pasture research projects, and operation of edge-of-field surface-water runoff gauging stations.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Using Runoff Rates and Stream Hydrochemistry to Understand Stream Phosphorus Concentrations in Southwestern Wisconsin, P.M McGinley, J. Haucke, D. Busch

Progress 01/01/17 to 12/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience reached during this reporting period include farmer-led watershed groups and local environmental groups. Changes/Problems:Given prior field experience with the S:CAN in situ monitoring system, Greg McCarty, USDA/ARS co-PI, has advised that we implement an alternative in situ monitoring platform. Therefore, the RealTech monitoring system is being utilized on site. This system provides equivalent data streams at a cost comparable to the S:CAN system, but overcomes some of the concerns expressed by Dr. McCarty. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We have incorporated undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines into project activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to continue to collect in-stream data. We will expand data collection efforts to include a Hach nitrate sensor, a flow measurement device, and a flow weight composite sampler. We plan to start to release data to all interested parties. We plan to host co-investigators onsite to plan future activities related outreach and education.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Accomplishments during the current period include: 1. Construction of gauging station. A 6' x 6' insulated and heated structure was constructed at monitoring site. This enclosure will serve as a secure, climate controlled location for installing monitoring hardware. 2. Remote power system established at monitoring site. Given the remote location of the gauging station, solar power systems were installed to operate monitoring and communications hardware. 3. RealTech sensor array was fabricated and installed at location. 4. Graphic user interface was developed to display realtime site data that is transimitted from the gauging station to on-line servers using 4GLTE telemetry systems. 5. We have started to incorporate undergraduate students into all aspects of this project.

Publications