Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1998

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Biosystems Engineering Technology

Major Professor

Daniel C. Yoder

Committee Members

Ron Yoder, Larry Wilson, Robert Burns

Abstract

A water quality project comparing three different cattle watering techniques was conducted on a small Middle Tennessee stream. The treatment areas were located on the same stream in sequential downstream order and were: (1) where cattle had "no access" and were given an alternative water source, (2) where cattle had access in an "improved" area, and (3) where cattle had "free access." Little quantifiable evidence exists on the cumulative effects of watering cattle in small perennial streams. This study provides farmers and other land managers with comprehensive water quality and biological data as it relates to cattle stream access and information relating the feasibility and practicality of installing and maintaining two Best Management Practice (BMP) watering techniques (an alternative water source and a limited access stream crossing).

Water quality data were collected intensively on a seasonal basis and storm data on a storm-event basis. Six intensive and three storm samples were collected between the fall of 1996 and the spring of 1998. Both mass and mass addition rates were calculated for each constituent (nitrate, ammonia, TOC, BOD, total solids, and fecal coliform bacteria) at each treatment area during each intensive sampling session. Total solids concentrations were measured during each storm event. Biological assessments (fish and aquatic macroinvertebrates) were conducted once during the study (fish in spring 1996 and macroinvertebrates in spring 1997). Differences in the macroinvertebrate community were documented between treatment areas. Fish were only sampled below the study area because of the limited sampling distance between treatment areas. Benthic and Fishery Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBI) were used to evaluate the responses in both groups of organisms.

Results showed statistically significant differences (α=0.05) in nitrate, ammonia, and fecal coliform bacteria levels where cattle had free access to the stream. In areas where cattle were completely restricted or had limited access to the stream, significant differences were only detected for nitrate, when compared to the Control. Storm samples showed increases in total solids concentrations at all treatment areas during significant events. Benthic EBI scores indicated minimal change in the stream's biotic health as cattle access increased. Stream classifications ranged from severely impaired ("no cows") to severely/moderately impaired ("limited access" and "free access"). The Fishery IBI classified the stream as FAIR, signifying that the integrity of the stream, downstream of the cattle accessed areas, had not been severely impacted.

Research indicated that statistically significant differences in water quality can be achieved by restricting and/or limiting cattle access to streams, however, significant differences were not detected between the two different watering BMP's. Differences in the biotic integrity of the stream were probably the result of starting with a nutrient-poor, spring-fed stream. The ecological balance (benthic macroinvertebrates) within the stream was not severely impacted by increasing cattle access. In future studies, we recommend that the validity of installing similar BMP's be conducted on an individual basis because of inherent differences in stream size, geology, soils, distribution of target organisms, grazing densities, and other physiographic differences.

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