Approach
Fresh clean water is vital to all living things. Because agricultural practices can affect aquifers and water sources, on-farm as well as downstream from the farm, it is important that practices protect water quality through the entire cycle. Anticipated alterations of the water cycle due to climate change will have wide-ranging effects on agricultural production, depending on the farm location, the type of agricultural system, and the type of change. For example, increases in precipitation during some times of the year could increase runoff of fertilizers or effluents, increasing issues with excess nitrogen or other nutrients in downstream water bodies. This approach focuses on additional agricultural practices needed in the field beyond those listed in Approach 1.1 (Maintain and improve soil health).
Tactics
- Reassess nutrient applications and ensure that use of organic materials
- fertilizers
- amendments
- and all sources of nutrients is matched to changing climate conditions (Howden et al. 2007)
- Reassess pesticide risk and ensure that all pesticide applications consider changing climate conditions (Donald et al. 2005)
- Manage water to prevent ponding
- running
- erosion
- and nutrient leaching where rainfall increases (Howden et al. 2007). Typical water management practices include diversions
- terraces
- waterways
- grade stabilization structures
- etc.
- Divert clean water from areas at risk for contamination
Strategy Text
Climate has the potential to disrupt critical functions of soil and water, and many management actions will be needed to work both directly and indirectly to maintain the integrity of agricultural systems in the face of climate change. Many existing guidelines and conservation practices describe actions to reduce impacts to soil and water; many of these actions are also likely to be beneficial in the context of adaptation, either in their current form or with modifications to address potential climate change impacts.
Citation
Janowiak, M., D. Dostie, M. Wilson, M. Kucera, R. H. Skinner, J. Hatfield, D. Hollinger, and C. Swanston. 2016. Adaptation Resources for Agriculture: Responding to Climate Variability and Change in the Midwest and Northeast. Technical Bulletin 1944. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Chief Economist, Climate Change Program Office. 69 p.