Black Brook Watershed: lessons from decades of research and a look into the future

Session: 39. - Managing Agriculture Water and Nutrients - Science Solutions for Tomorrows BMPs

Sheng Li, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, [email protected]
Serban Danielescu, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, [email protected]
Fanrui Meng, University of New Brunswick, [email protected]

Abstract

For decades, researchers have teamed up with local partners to work in the Black Brook Watershed (BBW) area to understand the biophysical and hydrological processes at watershed scale and to evaluate Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) for sustainable potato production system in the New Brunswick. Numerous projects have been conducted on soil erosion, soil water conservation, surface and sub-surface hydrology and water quality, as well as the development, evaluation and demonstration of BMPs. Based on these research, it has been concluded that intensive potato production has contributed significantly to the elevated soil erosion and water contamination issues observed in BBW. Although most BMPs are proven to be effective in their targeted functions, there are often “trade-off” effects or limitations for any given BMP. Many of the practices tested in BBW are also applied in the intensive agricultural areas of the Great Lakes. Lessons learned from the BBW point to the need to better understand landscape processes and the mechanisms of BMPs so that they can be implemented as an integrated system in a landscape context to maximize the benefits and minimize any shortcomings.

1. Keyword
water quality

4. Additional Keyword
Agriculture

5. Additional Keyword
Watershed