Optimization of Best Management Practice for Beef Cattle Ranching in the Lake Okeechobee Basin

Water quality sampling data collected from the 16 pasture sites during the calendar year 2000 has been tabulated and summarized for evaluation of mean annual concentrations by site and by pasture array (winter vs. summer).  Overall, results of the year 2000 water quality data collection are inconclusive due to the lack of significant storm water runoff volumes during this relatively dry year experienced at MAERC.  The mean TP concentrations for each pasture plot show no correlation with BMP treatments (cattle stocking rate). In addition, the mean TP concentrations measured in the year 2000 exhibit significant differences relative to the data collected in 1998 and 1999, as shown in  Figure 1 and Table 1.  Figures 2-5 and Tables 2-5 present TP, NO_x, NH₄ and TKN concentration summary statistics for the summer and winter pasture plots, as measured during the year 2000.

See more PROGRESS REPORT #1

The previous progress report (PROGRESS REPORT#1 dated Nov 7, 2001) described the QA/QC process for the water quality sampling and analysis component of the WM796 stocking rate BMP demonstration project at MAERC.  The report also presented summary statistics associated with the nutrient concentration observations at each of the 16 plots.  This second progress report focuses on the flow measurements and the nutrient load calculations.  

Tasks documented in this report include: 

1. QA/QC assessments of the water stage and flow measurements.

2. Determination of runoff and inflow volumes for each plot.

3.Date-matching of water quality sampling results and the flow measurements.

4.Determination of net nutrient loads from each plot.

5.Correlation of nutrient loads with grazing treatments and pasture blocks.

See more PROGRESS REPORT #2

Rainfall at MAERC for the year 2001 was more than double that of the previous year (approximately 59 inches vs 25 inches).  Therefore, many more runoff events were recorded in the year 2001 by the 16 flume systems located on the MAERC summer and winter pasture plots.   

General descriptions for the four figures and one table presented for each flume are: 

Figure #a.  Adjusted Flow Values (and Sample Collection Dates)  

Figure #b.  Adjusted Flume Water Depths

Figure #c.  Original Flow Values (and Sample Collection Dates)

Figure #d.  Original Flume Water Depths

Table #.      Point by Point Comparisons of Flume Water Depths and Resulting Adjustments

See more PROGRESS REPORT #3

See more PROGRESS REPORT #4 

External link:

http://www.southerndatastream.com/maerc/dep.htm