Canadian Water Network convened an expert workshop to update Canada’s conceptual model of nutrient source and transport. The experts’ discussion, as well as the research cited, informed the insights that are presented in this white paper, which has been written to support those who make decisions about nutrient management actions.
The results of this research are being used to assess the effects of existing and future best management practices (BMPs) implemented within the Tobacco Creek watershed, to inform the design of monitoring programs for hydrology, aquatic chemistry, and biotic integrity, and to support management decisions aimed at remediating and protecting Lake Winnipeg and other prairie [...]
1. An economic-hydrologic optimization model was used to estimate the cost of abating nitrate leaching into groundwater using non-traditional best management practices (BMPs) on potato farms in Prince Edward Island. By varying the targets for nitrate abatement for hypothetical farmers on both low and high quality land, the model determined which BMPs were least-cost for [...]
The key focus of this research was to understand the role of Ontario's Water Response Teams in decision-making, and to explore how international experiences can inform the drought management process. In partnership with representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Conservation Ontario, this project investigated [...]
This project studied how agricultural soils responded to short- and long-term applications of alkaline-stabilized biosolids (ASB), including: the impact of alkaline stabilization on emerging substances of concern transport in soils and water; how emerging substances of concern impacted biological end-point health indicators; and optimal rate and frequency of ASB land applications.
The processing of fruit and vegetables requires high volumes of potable water and standards for wastewater being released into the municipal system have become more stringent. Little is known about the physical and chemical characteristics of wastewater derived from different processing operations, and subsequently which technologies are most effective for each crop type.
Scientists have been examining information on economic costs, water quantity/quality benefits, and cost effectiveness of agricultural BMPs at a watershed scale using farm economic, watershed hydrologic and integrated economic-hydrologic modelling. This project developed the WEBs open source GIS tool to make BMP modelling systems accessible to agricultural conservation practitioners.
Drought can have a significant impact on crop yield, particularly for field crops that are not irrigated. It is generally believed that adopting a no-till management system conserves more soil moisture, but there is a lack of scientific data to support this recommendation, especially under different crop rotations. This project analyses ten years of field [...]
This report takes a deeper look at Canada’s opportunity to increase its agricultural output in order to meet global demand for food, but also speaks to the responsibility we have to ensure the long-term sustainability of our precious fresh water resources. Virtual water and water footprint analysis are part of a suite of tools [...]
Land application is one of the most common end destinations for biosolids, and the only one that allows for the beneficial reuse of its nutrients. Although current regulations and agricultural management practices are generally considered to be protective of human and environmental health, the detection of an increasing number of ESOCs in biosolids and the [...]