Water quality : publication
This guide demonstrates the complexities of reducing losses of phosphorus from agricultural land and the range of options available to help reach water quality goals.
Learn how agricultural practices impact water quality, from manure and pesticide use to fertilizer spills.
Learn how soil and aquifers filter nitrogen, the factors influencing groundwater contamination, and how soil types impact chemical movement.
Biosolids are domestic wastewater sludge that meet standards for beneficial use as fertilizer. Visit our site to learn the Benefits and Risks of Biosolids.
Land application of biosolids recycles nutrients, reduces pollution, and follows safety practices to protect soil, crops, and water.
Bob BrozExtension Water Quality State SpecialistDivision of Food Systems and Bioengineering
Biosolids contain nutrients beneficial for crops but must meet strict limits on metals and trace substances to ensure safe land application.
Learn how to maintain a healthy, eco-friendly lawn using natural products, proper mowing, soil care, and pest control practices.
Waste handling systems are used to protect the environment. Visit our site for our Collecting and Preserving Waste and Wastewater Samples for Analysis guide.
Bob BrozExtension Water Quality State SpecialistDivision of Food Systems and Bioengineering
This publication discusses applying biosolids to land, emphasizing nutrient supply based on plant needs and Missouri crop requirements.
Provides guidance on equipment used for off-site land application of biosolids, focusing on logistics, equipment types, and operational considerations.
This publication discusses equipment used for on-site land application of biosolids, including pumps, pipelines, and applicators.
Learn how groundwater contamination happens, its effects on drinking water, and ways to protect this vital natural resource from pollution.
This guide explains how to interpret biosolids lab reports for safe land application and compliance with environmental standards.
Learn about regulations and standards related to biosolids from septage — biosolids land application, contract haulers, metals standards, lime stabilization, pathogen and vector requirements, and more — in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
This guide offers strategies to manage manure phosphorus, reducing runoff and protecting Missouri's water resources.
John Lory and Steve Cromley
Division of Plant Sciences
How is nitrogen lost from the soil?
Nitrogen is primarily lost by three pathways:
Ammonia gas can be lost from the soil and return to the atmosphere. Visit our site to learn about Nitrogen in the Environment: Ammonia Volatilization.
Denitrification converts soil nitrates to nitrogen gas. It occurs in low-oxygen soils and can impact water quality.
Nitrate from fertilizers and manure can leach through soil into groundwater, especially in sandy soils or areas with shallow water tables.
Infants are most at risk from nitrate-contaminated water, which can lead to serious health issues.
Nitrification converts ammonium to nitrate, which can leach into groundwater, posing health risks, especially for infants.
Nitrogen in the soil can go through many complex chemical & biological changes. Visit our site to learn about Nitrogen in the Environment: Nitrogen Cycle.
Nitrogen is important for all plants and it comes in many forms. Visit our site to learn about Nitrogen in the Environment: Nitrogen's Most Common Forms.
Nitrogen, vital to life, exists abundantly in the atmosphere but must be converted for plant use. Excess nitrates can contaminate water, posing health risks.
John Lory and Steve Cromley
Division of Plant Sciences
Learn practices to manage phosphorus in biosolids, minimize environmental impact, and protect water quality using updated nutrient management strategies.
Protect groundwater quality with effective manure management practices, focusing on proper collection, storage, and land application techniques.
Learn how to maintain your well and protect drinking water from contamination by proper location and upkeep.
If stored safely in a secure location, fertilizers pose little danger to groundwater. Common sense suggests keeping fertilizer dry and out of the way of activities that might rip open a bag or allow rain to enter a bulk container.
Learn safe practices for managing hazardous materials on farms to protect drinking water and comply with environmental regulations.
Learn how to properly install and maintain household wastewater systems to protect water quality and comply with local regulations.
This publication examines five areas of pesticide management practices on your farmstead:
Guidance on safe petroleum storage practices to protect groundwater quality and comply with state regulations.
Steve Cromley and John Lory
Division of Plant Sciences
Learn about Missouri and federal regulations for use and disposal of domestic wastewater sludge and biosolids (which can be used as fertilizer or soil amendment) in this guide. Sludge use and disposal operations include landfill and incineration.
The phosphorus index promotes conservation practices that reduce phosphorus loss from agricultural fields.
This guide helps private well owners interpret water test results, identify potential contaminants, and determine appropriate treatment options.
Learn which water tests to perform for private supplies, including bacteria, nitrates, pH, and more, to ensure safety and identify potential issues.