HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1993-03-17, Page 55Substantial quantities of nitrates
found in unexpected areas
by Ron Wassink
WALKERTON--Two ground
water surveys conducted on farms
over the past two years have shown
a disturbing trend.
Substantial quantities have nitrates
have been found on some farms,
but they've been found in
unexpected areas.
Jim ,Fischer, Walkerton area
farmer and director on the Ontario
Soil and Crop Improvement
Association, said nitrates were
expected around farm buildings due
to manure storage and septic tanks.
Instead, the high recordings were
found underneath woodlots and
fields.
The study was a partnership
between the OSCIA, government
ministries and two universities.
In the first survey 1,300 wells
sampled in fall and winter of 1991-
92. In the second survey wells were
sampled in summer 1992.
High nitrate levels were found in
13 per cent of wells in the first
survey, and 14 per cent in the
second.
"It has raised many questions in
the farming community," Fischer
said.
"We have concerns, particularly
to do with the excess coliform
found in the wells. Not just wells
sampled, but different points on the
farm, in the field, underneath
woodlots. Some of questions raised
are: how are the contaminants
moving the soil? How did they get
there, particularly . underneath
woodlots? We don't fertilize
woodlots."
As the result of the first survey
some farmers drilled new wells or
capped existing wells. Fischer said
some farmers have yet to do
Anything.
He said maybe it is an indication
fanners are applying too much
manure, pr "maybe we have to dis-
turb the soil before we apply' it"
The other culprit maybe legume
plants the.mselves, which
environmentally conscious farmers
are planting as coyer crops.
Farmers plantalfalfa or red
clover, not only as food for lives-
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tock, but as cover crops, to build
the soil, to keep the soil in place, to
add nutrients, particularly nitrogen
to the following crop in the fol-
lowing growing season.
"Now we're finding that crop
may be supplying too much extra
nitrogen that is then converted to
nitrate. •
"This is a real dilemma."
Fischer said one thing farmers
should do is soil test constantly.
"If we had a nitrate test to
measure amount of nitrogen in the
soil, what amount and form to
apply in what plant in what soil at
exactly what time of the year, that
would enable us to put out precisely
what is required for that plant with
minimal loss to groundwater."
The intent of .groundwater survey
was to `=provide a snapshot of the
quality of water" in rural Ontario,
he said, adding the quality not
unlike what it is in Northern U.S.
"As farmers we're concerned.
We're especially concerned where
farmers haven't been able to make
the necessary changes as far as
drilling new wells."
As for chemicals in water, the
surveys found very low levels "and
we're pleased about that"
Only two wells showed
considerable amounts of pesticides.
HUFsON
Farm Progress '93—Page 39
Something for everyone...
•from page 38
spreader.
Many hands-on activities will
include interactive computer sta-
tions, the "Mystery Box", a calf and
dairy goat show and working
models of dairy farm equipment.
Plus, informative and exciting
exhibits will introduce you to
"Milicent the Cow", cheese and
butter making, breed exposes,
behind the scenes videos, hand-outs
and samples. •
Today, the dairy indtistry accounts
for 16 per cent of Ontario's farm
products. Now, isn't that a way to
"m000ve'!
Dairy Days is one of 10 events
scheduled for the Ontario Agricul-
tural Museum's 1993 'season which
runs June 5 - September 26, 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Here is a listing of the Museum's
1993 special events:
June 12 and 13 --Dairy Days
June 20 --Ontario Agricultural Hall
of Fame Induction Ceremony '
June 21 -25 --Seniors' Days (admis-
sion just .65 for those 65+
during Seniors Days)
July 1 --Canada Day Celebrations
(free admission July 1st only)
July 17 and 18 --Great Canadian
Antique Tractor Field Days
August 6 -15 --Country Quilt Fest
1993 •
August 22—Corn Festival
September 5 --Kids, Ponies & Fun
September 12 --Fall Festival of Food
September 25 and 26 --Christmas
Craft Fair
In case you haven't heard, those
interested in participating in this
year's Country Quilt Fest can. If
you are a quilter but do no belong
to a quilting guild and would like to
submit a quilt or wall hanging,
please , contact the Museum for,
information. Country Quilt Fest '93
is bigger and better than ever with
beautiful works of art filling the
rafters to the Gambrel Barn. Other
activities during Quilt Fest include
fashion shows (weekends only),
guest speakers, hands-on activities
and a. Viewer's Choice segment
where you get to be the judge. Quilt
enthusiasts can also enjoy the
Ontario Agricultural Museum Qtiilt
Collection now in its permanent
home. at the Museum. The Collec-
tion '.show cases the best of
Ontario's quilts.
There's a full season ahead at the
Ontario Agricultural-- Museum. If
you haven't explored the Museum
and its more than 30 buildings, then
this year's the time. And if you
have,, return for a special event or
for a day of relaxing in the country.
With over 15,000 artifacts' in the
Collection, it's impossible to see
everything .the first time around.
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