Impacts of the Proximity of Farmland on the Hillsborough RiverErin Plachy

ReferencesCooke, G. D., Welch, E. B., & Jones, J. R. (2011). Eutrophication of Tenkiller Reservoir, Oklahoma, from nonpoint agricultural runoff. Lake and Reservoir Management, 27(3), 256-270.Monteagudo, L., Moreno, J. L., & Picazo, F. (2012). River eutrophication: Irrigated vs. non-irrigated agriculture through different spatial scales. Water Research, 46, 2759-2771.William, S., Herr, J., Litton, G., Brunell, M., Borglin, S., Hanlon, J., Chen, C., Graham, J., Remie, B., Dahlgren, R., Kendall, C., Brown, R., Quinn, N. (2009). Investigation of river eutrophication as a part of a low dissolved oxygen total maximum daily load implementation. Water Science & Technology, 59(1), 10-14.Data obtained from the Florida Geographic Data Library. http://www.fgdl.org/metadataexplorer/explorer.jspImages: http://www.dashofeast.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Washington_Farms_Strawberries_3.jpg, http://www.dimeofarms.com/1008977_601213379902786_547589363_o.jpg , http://www.wcvb.com/image/view/-/18127374/highRes/1/-/xyt5dkz/-/Blueberries-Strawberries.jpg

Abstract/IntroductionArcGIS was used to map the proximity of farmland to the Hillsborough River in Florida and to examine the effects of the proximity on the river. Lots of farmland and pastureland were located within 9 miles of the river. Several factors were examined and high levels of chlorophyll a, low dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and mercury in fish tissue were present.

Arable land is often found near water sources for easy access to water for irrigation. Fertilizers and pesticides are commonly used to increase the yield of the crops. The excess of these chemicals tend to runoff into nearby water sources, causing eutrophication and negatively affecting the aquatic life. In pastureland, livestock waste can runoff into these same sources with similar results. Agricultural land located over 6 miles away can still reduce the health of the waterbody.

MethodsArcGIS was used to map the proximity of farmland to the Hillsborough River in Florida. Buffers distanced at 3, 6, and 9 miles were used to visually represent the proximity of the cropland and pastureland to the river. The impairments found in the water were mapped to show the potential impacts of nearby farmland.

ResultsA significant amount of farmland is located within the 3, 6, and 9 mile buffers of the river. A combination of chlorophyll a and/or low dissolved oxygen was found in all of the areas studied. Other impairments found were fecal coliform, mercury in fish tissue, and un-ionized ammonia.

ConclusionThe farmland located within the 3 mile buffer likely contributes to most of the impairments found in the river. The high chlorophyll a and low dissolved oxygen is due to algal blooms and eutrophication from runoff from the nearby farms. Fecal coliform can be traced to livestock waste and the un-ionized ammonia is likely from fertilizer use. The mercury’s source is probably from mines in the area. Overall, proximity of farmland appears to be a factor in the impairment of the Hillsborough River.

Strawberry farms are very common in areas around the Hillsborough River.

Blueberries are also a popular crop grown around the Hillsborough River.