Water Quality a Priority for Farmers and Ranchers
Water is a crucial resource for farmers and ranchers, not only for keeping their crops, forage, and livestock healthy, but also as part of their families' and communities' water supply.
Farmers and ranchers protect water quality through various practices, including conservation tillage, cover crops, nutrient management, and livestock practices that reduce runoff.
Conservation Practices
- Conservation tillage
- Cover crops
- Nutrient management
- Livestock practices that reduce runoff
Conservation tillage and cover cropping improve soil water retention, reduce runoff, and keep water and nutrients in the field.
These practices focus on improving land's water retention, keeping water and nutrients in a field, and reducing runoff, ultimately preserving water quality.
Author's summary: Farmers prioritize water quality through conservation practices.