Use Of Best Management Practices Research Articles

Combining Engineering Judgment and an Optimization Model to Increase Hydraulic and Energy Efficiency in Water Distribution Networks

AbstractThis paper presents a methodology for optimizing the operations of water distribution networks. The methodology combines the use of best management practices with a pseudogenetic algorithm, and has been applied to solve the problem of the battle of background leakage assessment for water networks. This problem involves more than 70,000 decision variables. To reduce this number, the problem was divided into three steps. First, a preliminary analysis was performed to define criteria for the replacement of pipes and pumps with a definition of potential subareas. Then, an optimization model was used to determine the pump schedule and pipe replacement. Finally, fine adjustments were performed including pump replacement, control pressure valve usage, and valve-setting definition. The main conclusion derived from this work is that a proper combination of optimization techniques and manual adjustments based on the use of engineering judgment is suitable to solve generic problems in water supply networks.

The use of best management practices to respond to externalities from developing shale gas resources

The public is concerned that activities accompanying hydraulic fracturing in the development of shale gas resources are unnecessarily adversely affecting them and the environment and is petitioning elected representatives to take actions to reduce risks. The health risks associated with fracturing chemicals and air pollutants are relatively unknown and constitute the impetus for public concern. An evaluation of state legal and regulatory provisions regarding best management practices discloses that states are not adopting timely regulations to protect people and the environment from activities accompanying hydraulic fracturing. Simultaneously, regulatory policy concerning negative externalities suggests that governments underinvest in the protection of human health and environmental quality. Governments have choices in protecting people from dangers that accompany shale gas development. Due to the risks of injuries and unpaid damages from shale gas development, governmental policies need to evolve to accord people greater health protection.

Evaluating a groundwater supply contamination incident attributed to Marcellus Shale gas development.

High-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) has revolutionized the oil and gas industry worldwide but has been accompanied by highly controversial incidents of reported water contamination. For example, groundwater contamination by stray natural gas and spillage of brine and other gas drilling-related fluids is known to occur. However, contamination of shallow potable aquifers by HVHF at depth has never been fully documented. We investigated a case where Marcellus Shale gas wells in Pennsylvania caused inundation of natural gas and foam in initially potable groundwater used by several households. With comprehensive 2D gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS), an unresolved complex mixture of organic compounds was identified in the aquifer. Similar signatures were also observed in flowback from Marcellus Shale gas wells. A compound identified in flowback, 2-n-Butoxyethanol, was also positively identified in one of the foaming drinking water wells at nanogram-per-liter concentrations. The most likely explanation of the incident is that stray natural gas and drilling or HF compounds were driven ∼ 1-3 km along shallow to intermediate depth fractures to the aquifer used as a potable water source. Part of the problem may have been wastewaters from a pit leak reported at the nearest gas well pad-the only nearby pad where wells were hydraulically fractured before the contamination incident. If samples of drilling, pit, and HVHF fluids had been available, GCxGC-TOFMS might have fingerprinted the contamination source. Such evaluations would contribute significantly to better management practices as the shale gas industry expands worldwide.

Potential to assess nitrate leaching vulnerability of irrigated cropland

Irrigated cropland represents the largest source of groundwater nitrate (NO3) pollution in the Central Valley (CV) of California. Mitigation, through the use of best management practices that maximize crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), will be most effective in reducing pollution if used where the risk of NO3 leaching loss is greatest. The University of California9s Nitrate Groundwater Pollution Hazard Index (HI) tool was used to map the risk of NO3 leaching below the rootzone in irrigated fields in a portion of the CV. The HI is an expert system that calculates an index value based on soil properties, crop characteristics, and type of irrigation system in use. Depth to groundwater, aquifer recharge rate, and actual farm management practices (e.g., rate of nitrogen [N] fertilizer applied) are not considered in the calculation. Application of the HI to 1,318,000 ha (3,256,848 ac) of irrigated cropland in the four southernmost counties of the CV revealed that 31% of the area is at high risk of NO3 leaching loss if not managed carefully. Adoption of drip or microsprinkler irrigation on all orchards, vineyards, and vegetable fields would decrease the area rated as most vulnerable from 31% to 20% of the area analyzed. Crop fields on permeable soils and/or irrigated by surface gravity methods contributed the most to the area at high risk. The HI can help the USDA, regulatory agencies, and Cooperative Extension target regulatory, research, and education efforts.

Associations of farm management practices with annual milk sales on smallholder dairy farms in Kenya.

Aim:Cows on smallholder dairy farms (SDF) in developing countries such as Kenya typically produce volumes of milk that are well below their genetic potential. An epidemiological study was conducted to determine reasons for this low milk production, including limited use of best management practices, such as suboptimal nutritional management.Methods:An observational cross-sectional study of 111 SDF was performed in Nyeri County, Kenya in June of 2013 determining the effect of cow factors, farmer demographics and farm management practices on the volume of milk sold per cow per year (kg milk sold/cow). In particular, the effect of feeding high protein fodder trees and other nutritional management practices were examined.Results:Approximatly 38% of farmers fed fodder trees, but such feeding was not associated with volume of milk sold per cow, likely due to the low number of fodder trees per farm. Volume of milk sold per cow was positively associated with feeding dairy meal during the month prior to calving, feeding purchased hay during the past year, deworming cows every 4 or more months (as opposed to more regularly), and having dairy farming as the main source of family income. Volume of milk sold per cow was negatively associated with a household size of >5 people and feeding Napier grass at >2 meters in height during the dry season. An interaction between gender of the principal farmer and feed shortages was noted; volume of milk sold per cow was lower when female farmers experienced feed shortages whereas milk sold per cow was unaffected when male farmers experienced feed shortages.Conclusions:These demographic and management risk factors should be considered by smallholder dairy farmers and their advisors when developing strategies to improve income from milk sales and animal-source food availability for the farming families.

Ammonia emission from a permanent grassland on volcanic soil after the treatment with dairy slurry and urea

Ammonia (NH3) is an air pollutant largely emitted from agricultural activities including the application of livestock manures and fertilizers to grassland. This gas has been linked with important negative impacts on natural ecosystems. In southern Chile, the use of inorganic and organic fertilizers (e.g. slurries) has increased in cattle production systems over recent years, heightening the risk of N losses to the wider environment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate on permanent grasslands on a volcanic ash soil in southern Chile: 1) the N loss due to NH3 volatilization following surface application of dairy slurry and urea fertilizer; and 2) the effect of a urease inhibitor on NH3 emissions from urea fertilizer application. Small plot field experiments were conducted over spring, fall, winter and summer seasons, using a system of wind tunnels to measure ammonia emissions. Ammonia losses ranged from 1.8 (winter) to 26.0% (fall) and 3.1 (winter) to 20.5% (summer) of total N applied for urea and slurry, respectively. Based on the readily available N applied (ammoniacal N for dairy slurry and urea N for urea fertilizer), losses from dairy slurry were much greater, at 16.1 and 82.0%, for winter and summer, respectively. The use of a urease inhibitor proved to be an effective option to minimize the N loss due NH3 volatilization from urea fertilizer, with an average reduction of 71% across all seasons. The results of this and other recent studies regarding N losses suggest that ammonia volatilization is the main pathway of N loss from grassland systems in southern Chile on volcanic ash soils when urea and slurry are used as an N source. The use of good management practices, such as the inclusion of a urease inhibitor with urea fertilizer could have a beneficial impact on reducing N losses due NH3 volatilization and the environmental and economic impact of these emissions.

Urban recharge beneath low impact development and effects of climate variability and change

[1] Understanding low impact development (LID) planning and best management practices (BMPs) effects on recharge is important because of the increasing use of LID BMPs to reduce storm water runoff and improve surface-water quality. LID BMPs are microscale, decentralized management techniques such as vegetated systems, pervious pavement, and infiltration trenches to capture, reduce, filter, and slow storm water runoff. Some BMPs may enhance recharge, which has often been considered a secondary management benefit. Here we report results of a field and HYDRUS-2D modeling study in San Francisco, California, USA to quantify urban recharge rates, volumes, and efficiency beneath a LID BMP infiltration trench and irrigated lawn considering historical El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability and future climate change using simulated precipitation from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamic Laboratory (GFDL) A1F1 climate scenario. We find that in situ and modeling methods are complementary, particularly for simulating historical and future recharge scenarios, and the in situ data are critical for accurately estimating recharge under current conditions. Observed (2011–2012) and future (2099–2100) recharge rates beneath the infiltration trench (1750–3710 mm yr−1) were an order of magnitude greater than beneath the irrigated lawn (130–730 mm yr−1). Beneath the infiltration trench, recharge rates ranged from 1390 to 5840 mm yr−1 and averaged 3410 mm yr−1 for El Nino years (1954–2012) and from 1540 to 3330 mm yr−1 and averaged 2430 mm yr−1 for La Nina years. We demonstrate a clear benefit for recharge and local groundwater resources using LID BMPs.

BBLAWN: A Combined Use of Best Management Practices and an Optimization Model Based on a Pseudo-Genetic Algorithm

Abstract The paper presents a solution to the problem of the Battle of Background Leakage Assessment for Water Networks (BBLAWN) using a methodology that combines the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and an optimization model based on a Pseudo-Genetic Algorithm (PGA) as described in [1] . In a first stage, an analysis of marginal costs of pipes whose replacement would be potentially recommended was performed. Next, a network topological analysis to study the pipes that could potentially be closed in order to facilitate pressure control was done. Furthermore, a methodology for studying branched areas was also developed, determining possible location for pressure reducing valves (PRV). A significant reduction in the number of decision variables was obtained and a specific optimization model was developed.

Effluent of a Polyculture System (Tilapias and Shrimps): Assessment by Mass Balance of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

From the estimation of the mass balance model, which can also be classified as “black box” model, it is possible to infer the impact of management on the system considered. This study aimed to evaluate water pollution generated by wastewater from a polyculture system of tilapia and shrimp and discuss the management employee and their relation to the quality of the effluent released. It used a pond measuring 1500 m2, average depth 1.6 meters, where 12 cages of 1 m3 populated with tilapia juveniles were installed 33 days after the shrimps’ population. The tilapia juveniles were distributed in densities from 200 to 400 fish per cubic meter, reaching the density of 2.4 fish per square meter within the total pond area. Shrimp post-larvae were released outside the cages within the pond area in a density of 3.3 organisms per square meter. Total density considering fish and shrimps was of 5.7 organisms per square meter in the pond area. Water samples were taken weekly in affluent and effluent of the pond (January-August/2009). The mass balance model was calculated from the difference between the estimated load for the output and input of the pond. The average flow rate was 4.46 L/s. The average loads nitrogen was 0.072 Kg/day (affluent) and 0.179 Kg/day (effluent) and phosphorus 0.0136 Kg/day (affluent) and 0.031 Kg/day (effluent). The mass balance resulted in mean values of 0.11 ± 0.06 Kg/day for total nitrogen and 0.017 ± 0.010 Kg/day for total phosphorus indicating that the system exported nutrients. The use of Best Management Practices (BMP) likes better feed and water management as a way to minimize nutrient export.

Use of Best Management Practices and Pasture and Soil Quality on Maryland Horse Farms

Agricultural operations, including horse farms, can contribute nonpoint source (NPS) pollution to surface water. The use of best management practices (BMPs) is the most effective way to prevent the movement of pollutants to surface water from nonpoint source pollution. Previous mailed survey studies have assessed the use of BMPs at the county and state level, but a visual assessment of horse farms is necessary to validate survey results. An observational field study was conducted to assess BMP use and soil and pasture quality and to create a model to predict soil erosion on Maryland horse farms. Fifty-one farms were selected based on stocking density (acres per horse [ac horse-1]), farm use, and presence of water on property. All farms were visited from September through November 2009. In each pasture with grazing horses, the correct use of BMPs was assessed, grass height and vegetative cover were measured, and composite soil samples were collected. Less than half of the 18 assessed BMPs were being used by participants. Although most participants maintained the recommended vegetative cover and grass height, soil erosion was a major problem in pastures. Most farms had optimum soil nutrient concentrations (Ca, K, and P), excessive Mg values, and basic soil pH. Vegetative cover and grass height measurements were positively correlated with stocking density (r = 0.345, P < .0001; and r = 0.291, P < .0001, respectively). Farm use was the only variable that predicted soil erosion on farms (P = .006). Farms used for pleasure were least likely to have soil erosion, whereas farms used for breeding were more likely to have soil erosion (P = .0058). Despite the low-to-moderate adoption of BMPs, the maintenance of recommended vegetative cover and grass height as well as optimum values of soil nutrients indicated participating Maryland horse farms have a low potential for nutrient movement and NPS pollution.

Best management practices for forest bioenergy programs

Forest ecosystems produce the best quality and most consistent supplies of water for human use. The increase in the use of woody biomass as a feedstock for bioenergy production has raised questions about potential impacts on water quality. Best management practices (BMPs) have been developed and implemented since the early 1970s to ensure that forest harvesting can be conducted with minimum impact on water quality. Although BMPs were originally designed to minimize water quality impacts, they can be used for a variety of environmental concerns. The use of BMPs is widespread in developed countries and it varies from mandatory to voluntary. In many countries BMPs are incorporated in ‘Codes of Forest Practice’ that guide forest managers through the complete bioenergy life cycle. The development and application of BMPs is not a static process, but one that relies on a continual cycle of application, assessment and monitoring, and refinement. Although some countries have “national standards,“ the complex matrix of forest ecosystems, climates, soils and topography, and harvesting systems requires ongoing assessment, monitoring, and refinement to craft BMPs to best suit local conditions. Research and development studies play a key part in the refinement and communication of improved BMPs. They are also crucial in validating the effectiveness of BMPs. This is especially important where local environmental conditions or operational standards are unique. BMPs ensure that forest bioenergy programs can be a sustainable part of forest management and renewable energy production.This article is categorized under: Bioenergy &gt; Science and Materials Bioenergy &gt; Climate and Environment

Comparison of demographic characteristics, animal science subject knowledge, academic performance and critical thinking skills in students majoring in animal science and equine science

Comparison of demographic characteristics, animal science subject knowledge, academic performance and critical thinking skills in students majoring in animal science and equine science

Characterizing the use of environmentally friendly pasture management practices by horse farm operators in Maryland

Despite government regulations that require some horse farms to implement nutrient management plans and encourage them to adopt best management practices (BMPs), the current use of BMPs by farm operators on Maryland horse farms is not yet known. A mailed survey was designed to assess use and knowledge of BMPs by Maryland horse farm operators as well as to develop a model to predict the occurrence of soil erosion on those farms. One thousand surveys were mailed to horse farm operators throughout the state in January of 2009, with 382 completed surveys returned (43.5% response rate). Respondents reported having the highest knowledge of appropriate stocking density, use of rotational grazing, and correct manure management. The majority of farm operators reported using most recommended BMPs correctly on their farms. Best management practices with the lowest implementation rates were use of herbicide for weed control, storage of manure on an impervious surface, use of a sacrifice lot within a pasture, rotational grazing, managing roof runoff, and lime application. Farm operators that reported using a lower stocking density (greater pasture area per horse) were more likely to be using some BMPs correctly compared to farm operators who reported using higher stocking densities (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001). Respondents reported high knowledge of some BMPs but then reported low use of those same BMPs. Using logistic regression, variables that predicted the occurrence of soil erosion included vegetative cover, use of compacted materials in heavy-use areas, and topography of pastures. This model may be used to determine a farm9s potential to negatively impact the environment by evaluating the use of these BMPs. In conclusion, horse farm operators were using many BMPs on their farms, but some chose not to use BMPs despite a high knowledge of the BMP. Further research is necessary in order to understand why some BMPs have low implementation rates and what can be done to increase those implementation rates.

Assessing rural landholders diversity in the Wet Tropics region of Queensland, Australia in relation to natural resource management programs: A market segmentation approach

Government agencies in many countries are encouraging rural landholders to improve their land management practices in order to improve the health of the natural environment. The level of adoption of improved practices by landholders is, however, highly variable. Understanding the diversity of rural landholders is an important step in increasing the uptake of improved land management practices. In this study, we investigate the factors that influence landholders to adopt recommended practices and use this to provide insights into how to encourage greater adoption of these practices. A mail based survey of rural landholders in the Wet Tropics region of north eastern Australia was used to gather data. Adapting a ‘prime prospects analysis’ approach used in social marketing, we used this data to develop a typology of landholders based on their attitudes to environmental health and adoption of currently recommended practices in agriculture. Five landholder types were identified: the ‘concerned but unengaged’ who are interested but not engaged in using best management practices (BMPs); the ‘multiple objective’ landholders with moderate levels of interest in natural resource management (NRM) and engagement activities; the ‘production orientated’ landholders who are engaged in the use of BMPs but not greatly concerned about NRM issues; the ‘disconnected and conservative’ landholders who have low levels of interest in or engagement with NRM activities; and the ‘well-connected and progressive’ who are highly motivated and engaged in using BMPs. Profiles of the groups were developed through examining differences in their management objectives, trust in others, communication behaviour and management practices of the group members. Each of the groups will require different strategies to encourage adoption of recommended management practices including a mix of information campaigns, training and incentive programs provided by varying organisations that have the trust of landholders. While some types of landholders will be best targeted through industry associations, many of these landholders have already adopted many of the recommended practices. Other types of landholders have little contact or affinity with these associations and would be better served by other types of organisations and separate communication strategies that better match their management aspirations and circumstances.

Effects of Every Furrow vs. Every Other Furrow Surface Irrigation in Cotton

In 2001, the Arizona Department of Water Resources implemented an agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP) program. The program was designed to encourage the use of BMPs in irrigation with the goal of increasing the efficient use of water resources on the farm. Several BMPs were identified through meetings with stakeholders, researchers, and scientists. One of the BMPs identified was alternate furrow irrigation. This three-year study was designed to determine the impact of alternate furrow irrigation on surface irrigation water applications and cotton yield. There were two treatments, every furrow (EF) and every other furrow (EOF). Lint yields were 1794 and 1694 kg/ha in 2006; 1795 and 1902 kg/ha in 2007; and 1365 and 1237 kg/ha in 2008 for the EF and EOF treatments, respectively. Seasonal irrigation water applications were 187.7 and 162.3 cm in 2006; 151.4 and 137.2 cm in 2007; and 184.1 and 132.6 cm in 2008 for EF and EOF treatments, respectively. The results indicate that an average of 30.5 cm of water can be saved by the implementation of an alternate furrow irrigation scheme without significantly reducing lint yield.

The Effectiveness of Forestry Best Management Practices for Sediment Control in the Southeastern United States: A Literature Review

Abstract Water quality from forested watersheds (both managed and unmanaged) is normally very good and better than most other human-dominated land uses. Water degradation is possible during forestry operations; however, the use of best management practices (BMP) has been shown to substantially reduce the risk. In the southeastern United States, forests are managed under a wide range of conditions reflective of physiographic region, soil erodibility, climate, and site wetness. Although it is clear that BMP reduce sediment and pollutant loading into streams, there is less information regarding how effective these practices are (i.e., how much sediment did BMP retain? What was the mechanism for sediment retention?). A review of the scientific literature was conducted to evaluate forestry BMP effectiveness to control sediment in the southeastern United States. Our reviewly quantified BMP effectiveness to reduce sediment. In the Coastal Plain, research has focused on forest roads and site wetness, whereas in the Piedmont and regions with steeper terrain, the focus has been on streamside management zones. These studies provide an initial indication of how much sediment is reduced by BMP; however, more information is needed for managers to make reasonable estimations. Future research should focus on quantifying BMP effects on sediment yield and identifying the specific mechanisms involved.

Use of Best Management Practices and Pasture and Soil Quality on Maryland Horse Farms

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a passive, remote, and noninvasive method of measuring surface temperatures. Select surface locations, such as the eye, could indicate body temperature. To investigate whether thermographic eye temperatures were associated with body temperatures and could be used to detect febrile ponies, we measured IRT eye temperatures, rectal temperatures, and implanted thermal microchip temperatures from 24 male ponies daily for 3 consecutive days. Information regarding distance of the pony from the IRT device, presence of direct sunlight during the measurement period, and ambient temperature were also collected. A multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that 60.41% of the variance in IRT was accounted for by rectal temperature, sunlight, and distance between the camera and the pony, with rectal temperature being the major contributor to variance (46.23%). Using a rectal temperature of >38.6°C (101.5°F) as the indicator of febrile status, sensitivity and specificity of the IRT device used to detect the febrile ponies were found to be 74.6% and 92.3%, respectively, when using the maximum IRT eye temperature per pony per day. In conclusion, IRT eye temperature could be a preliminary screening tool to determine whether a more time-consuming, labor–intensive, and invasive method (e.g., rectal temperature) is warranted for fever validation.

Paviršinių nuotekų kiekiai iš urbanizuotų ir pramoninių teritorijų Vilniaus mieste

Urbanizuotos teritorijos plėtra verčia daugiau dėmesio skirti paviršinių nuotekų infrastruktūros plėtrai. Paviršinių nuotekų kiekis ir kokybė yra būtini kriterijai vertinant poveikį aplinkai. Tirti buvo pasirinkta Vilniaus miesto lietaus surinkimo sistema. Paviršinių nuotekų kiekis buvo apskaičiuotas taikant tyrimų metodikoje pateiktas formules. Lietingiausi metai per analizuojamuosius aštuonerius metus (2000–2007) Vilniaus mieste buvo 2006-ieji. Tais metais iš viso susidarė apie 720 00 m3 paviršinių nuotekų, o lietingiausias mėnuo buvo rugpjūtis.

North Dakota Beef Cow Producers: Identifying Current Management Practices and Factors that Influence Adoption Rates of Best Management Practices Relating to Surface Water Pollution

Best management practices are methods that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means of preventing or reducing pollution. Best Management Practices (BMPs) relating to surface water pollution abatement for North Dakota beef cow operations are of particular importance due to the importance of the agriculture industry in North Dakota. North Dakota has yet to address the use of voluntary BMPs to address potential surface water pollution regulations. Probit models were used to estimate the likelihood of North Dakota beef cow operators adopting specific production practices to reduce potential surface water pollution through the use of BMPs. The six BMPs discussed in this research include nutrient management, rotational grazing, filterstrjps, riparian buffers, streambank fencing, and streambank bridging/crossing. Number of beef cows on operation, education, awareness of cost share programs, contact with extension service, ownership structure, debt level, record keeping method, and pasture season usage were found to be significant in the likelihood of adopting a BMP.

Measuring conservation program best management practice implementation and maintenance at the watershed scale

There is growing interest in evaluating the impacts at the watershed scale of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) designed to improve water quality. Many approaches to impact assessment require detailed information about actual BMP use by farmers and landowners in a watershed. This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of using formal USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service records of conservation program participation as an indicator of spatial and temporal patterns of BMP implementation and maintenance. Field interviews with conservation program participants revealed potential limitations with official records regarding (1) documentation of the incidence of successful BMP implementation, (2) the nature of the BMPs that were implemented, (3) accurate measurement of the timing and location of BMP implementations, and (4) information about the long-term use and maintenance of implemented BMPs. The results suggest that official records should be field-verified before being used as indicators of BMP use. The findings also point to a larger need for development of more robust and accurate systems for tracking BMP implementation and maintenance over periods of time.