Watershed & Runoff Management Category Guide
Part of Water, Environment, and Climate
What Is Watershed Management?
Watershed management encompasses practices that control how water moves across and through a dairy operation, minimizing the potential for pollutants—nutrients, sediment, pathogens, and organic matter—to reach streams, lakes, groundwater, and other water resources. Effective watershed management protects environmental quality while maintaining productive agricultural operations.
Why Runoff Management Matters
Dairy farms concentrate nutrients and organic matter in ways that can impact water quality if not properly managed:
- Nutrient loading: Nitrogen and phosphorus can cause algae blooms and oxygen depletion in waterways
- Pathogen contamination: Bacteria and other pathogens affect drinking water and recreation
- Sediment: Eroded soil fills waterways and carries attached pollutants
- Organic matter: Depletes oxygen when it decomposes in water
Regulatory Context
The Clean Water Act prohibits unpermitted discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States. Large dairy operations (CAFOs) require NPDES permits and must implement nutrient management plans. Smaller operations must still manage runoff to avoid violations if there's evidence of discharge.
Key Management Practices
Production Area Management
The barnyard, feed storage, and manure handling areas concentrate potential pollutants:
- Concrete and paving: Contain runoff from high-traffic areas
- Roofing: Divert clean roof water away from contaminated areas
- Curbing and grading: Direct contaminated water to collection systems
- Settling basins: Allow solids to settle before water leaves the site
- Vegetated treatment areas: Filter and infiltrate collected runoff
Manure Storage
- Proper sizing for storage period needs
- Lined structures to prevent groundwater contamination
- Adequate freeboard to contain precipitation
- Regular inspection and maintenance
Field Management
- Nutrient management planning: Apply nutrients at agronomic rates based on soil tests and crop needs
- Setbacks: Maintain distance from waterways when applying manure
- Timing: Avoid application before rain or on frozen/saturated ground
- Incorporation: Reduce runoff risk by incorporating manure into soil
Conservation Practices
- Riparian buffers: Vegetated strips along waterways filter runoff and provide habitat
- Grassed waterways: Slow concentrated flow and prevent gully erosion
- Filter strips: Remove sediment and nutrients from sheet flow
- Cover crops: Reduce erosion and capture residual nutrients
- Conservation tillage: Maintain soil cover to reduce runoff and erosion
- Terraces and diversions: Control water flow on sloping fields
Pasture Management
- Manage grazing to maintain adequate plant cover
- Provide water sources away from streams
- Fence cattle out of waterways
- Establish stream crossings where necessary
Assessing Your Operation
Risk Evaluation
Identify potential pollutant sources and evaluate pathways to water resources. Consider topography, soil characteristics, distance to water, and current management practices.
Planning
Develop a comprehensive nutrient management plan addressing all nutrient sources and applications. Work with NRCS or extension professionals to identify priority practices.
Implementation
Prioritize practices addressing highest risks. Many conservation practices are eligible for EQIP cost-share. Implement practices correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Monitoring
Regular inspection of practices ensures continued function. Document maintenance activities and address issues promptly.
Cost Considerations
Conservation practices vary widely in cost—from low-cost management changes to significant infrastructure investments. NRCS cost-share through EQIP can cover 50-75% of eligible practice costs. State and local programs may provide additional funding. Many practices provide long-term benefits through improved soil health, reduced input costs, and regulatory compliance.
Resources
- NRCS provides technical assistance and cost-share programs
- Extension services offer planning and implementation guidance
- State environmental agencies explain regulatory requirements
- Soil and Water Conservation Districts assist with local planning
- Certified crop advisors can help with nutrient management