Abstract |
The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service (Extension) implemented an educational program within the three-county area of the Arroyo Colorado watershed to address water quality protection and improvement for the agricultural community. The educational program, focusing on nutrient management, best management practices, pesticide safety and compliance, was one of the goals outlined in the Arroyo Colorado watershed protection plan and was funded through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since the programs inception in 2005, Extension educated agricultural producers on proper nutrient management and production techniques, promoted programs associated with the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) including cost-share programs, provided pesticide safety applicator certification education and continuing education, and conducted a soil testing campaign. To avoid duplication and enhance existing programs, Extension worked with the TSSWCB, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDANRCS) and the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). |