Halfway through a 12-year study, scientists and cooperating farmers are finding that replacing chemicals with intensive management practices can improve both farm profitability and environmental quality. The study addresses the concerns of Wisconsin dairy farmers and those who raise grain crops. Developed by scientists in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, experts in organic agriculture from the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy, Wisconsin, UW-Extension agents and farmers, the study encourages broad community involvement in the quest for a prosperous and environmentally sound agricultural sector. Sites are located in Columbia and Walworth counties.
Early results are encouraging.
Groundwater quality is improving at the Walworth County site, which has a shallow groundwater table. Although groundwater is an abundant resource in Wisconsin, it can be easily contaminated. Through its program of proactive research, the Wisconsin Water Resources Center focuses on technical and regulatory ways to keep the state's groundwater clean. The center has helped guide efforts to control the potentially hazardous flow of atrazine, a pesticide used in corn production, into the water supply. Studies from the center have identified atrazine and its four toxic metabolites in groundwater and traced their flow.