RESEARCHING AGRICULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL LANDS IN
REMEDIATING A COASTAL WATERSHED
Sciarappa*, W. J., Muscio, C. M., and Hulme, B.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension – NJAES – 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) is part of a Regional Stormwater
Management Planning Committee that addresses environmental Water Quality Monitoring - The yearly values of these
impairments and recommends Best Management Practices (BMPs) to
Water Quality Equipment Samples taken once per week at 8 parameters were assessed with the digital hydroprobe and a data
sampling sites for 1 full year baseline data set logger that calculated the legal criteria and the resultant excedences
remediate any non-point source contributions of nutrient loading and fecal
coliform within watersheds. RCE characterized and assessed the agricultural, such as found for nitrate, turbidity, pH and dissolved oxygen
recreational and open space lands in the 12 sq. mile Wreck Pond Brook
Watershed in comparison to its developed suburban communities. This Range (Min & # of Median
region has contributed to the majority of New Jersey ocean beach closings in Parameter Units Max Observed) Observations Values
2005, 2006 and 2007. Temperature ºC 2.92 - 30.34 318 16.53
Geographic Information System (GIS) and tax assessment information Conductivity mS/cm 0.090 - 16.200 301 0.179
were used to identify and characterize the quantity of agricultural,
recreational and open space land in the watershed. A YSI Multiparameter Dissolved
Probe, a Hach Colorimeter and macroinvertebrate sampling were utilized to Oxygen mg/L 3.47 - 27.87 214 10.39
assess nitrogen and phosphorus levels in ponds and streams. Nutrient pH pH 5.18 - 7.48 318 6.35
YSI Multiparameter Probe Hach Orthophosphate Kit
levels in the soil were assessed with soil probes. Innovative Microbial NH3
Source Tracking (MST) methods, qPCR and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance, Ammonia mg/L 0.00 - 0.040 310 0.00
were utilized to determine the source of microbial contamination. NO3
The characterization yielded no obvious point sources of either nutrient or Land Use Characterization & Soil Analysis Nitrate mg/L 0.02 - 15.79 318 0.62
microbial contaminations from agricultural sources indicating a combined Soil samples were taken and analyzed from agricultural & recreational
origin from multiple non-point suburban sources. The quantitative results led lands, forests, residential sites, industrial areas and stream banks. Turbidity NTU 0.00 - 308.3 318 5.4
to the conclusion that important BMPs were manufactured treatment devices Chlorophyll µg/L 0.0 - 82.0 310 2.8
within the human communities and public education regarding nutrient runoff Ortho- PO4-3
and soil erosion. Educational workshops were implemented for various Phosphate mg/L 0.05 - 1.50 223 0.27
stakeholders emphasizing rain gardens for homeowners and landscapers,
and working demonstrations of on-farm manure management practices for
farmers. A high degree of acceptance of these suggested BMPs from both 100%
groups was documented. 90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
Soil erosion is a major contributor to non-point source pollutants potentially 30%
originating from agricultural field crops and pastures which can lead to 20%
sedimentation off site with the downstream transport of nitrogen, phosphorus and 10%
bacteria. Farmlands have become easy targets for blame and stakeholders need 0%
6 9 7 1 5 2 3 8
more accurate information only available through new technology. Watershed
based results help document existing environmental conditions, characterize land Microbial Source Tracking Samples - Macroinvertebrate Samples - show
use, enhance best management practices and improve municipal decision making show stormwater runoff with bacteria historical water disturbances in site 5
related to environmental policies and community development.
Macroinvertebrate Sampling – Indicator samples taken
in June, July and August at 8 sites quantify percentages of “Sensitive”,
“Somewhat Sensitive” and “Tolerant” organisms which help determine
long-term stream health. Agricultural and Recreational Land do not have a major impact on
the overall health of the Wreck Pond Brook Watershed.
Nonetheless, Rutgers Cooperative Extension will continue to::
•Remind Growers, Landscapers and Homeowners of the importance
of soil testing and appropriate fertilizing rates
•Visit key farms and instruct about pasture management and crop
production practices
•Inform farmers about Manure Management Standards and
demonstrate on-farm manure containment facilities
Such research information helps:
•Prevent erosion, soil compaction and stream encroachment in
agricultural zones as well as residential areas
•Educate the general public of the impact suburban residents are
having on their Watershed with impervious surface and fertilizers
•Emphasize the positive impacts agriculture can have in water
infiltration, aquifer recharge, flood control and habitat diversification
•Implement watershed plans for agricultural best management
Monmouth County pastures 16,000 of the 60,000 practices, stormwater treatment devices, municipal policies,
horses in New Jersey homeowner regulations and community rain gardens