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1995 Annual Research and Extension Report

Extension Presentation on Water Quality Monitoring at Buck Island Ranch
John C. Capece, Kenneth L. Campbell and J. Jeffrey Mullahey
Department of Agricultural Engineering
Department of Wildlife and Range Science

OBJECTIVES
1. To familiarize professional cattle managers with the water quality research under way at Buck Island Ranch and introduce clientele to the planned stocking rate experiment. 2. To begin developing extension program products related to the MAERC project.


BACKGROUND
An essential aspect of the Buck Island agro-ecology research is communicating results and new management practices to regional cattle managers and other interested clients.


METHODOLOGY
Water quality data is currently being collected at four sites on the ranch (see attachment) as described in detail by Graetz and Campbell (pages 22-25). An additional water quality monitoring program is planned for the ranch. This experiment will test the effects of cattle stocking rates on surface water quality discharges An extension presentation and site tour was developed to communicate results of current water quality monitoring and plans for the new experiment.


ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A site tour was conducted as part of the annual meeting of the Society for Range Management. The group consisted of approximately 30 cattle managers and other interested people. The attached graphics were distributed during the site visit to inspect example monitoring sites and instrumentation. Participants were briefed on objectives, methods, instrument operation, and results of the on-going research. The group was also taken to the intended sites for the stocking rate experiment. There the new project was described and discussed.


FUTURE PLANS
Additional educational aids will be developed in support of IFAS extension programs and events. As specific events are scheduled, IFAS researchers will be requested to participate in these programs. Potential for MAERC managers and scientists to represent the project to external groups will be discussed as an opportunity for additional outreach. IFAS may be able to support MAERC staff by supplying educational aids related to the project.

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