Impacts of farming management on soil health and water quality in Kentucky
Abstract Use of synthetic chemicals for crop production negatively impacts soil and water quality in Kentucky, including eutrophication and water pollution. However, field research data on these aspects in Kentucky are scarce, and the main challenges in conducting field or on‐farm research include l...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.70134 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Use of synthetic chemicals for crop production negatively impacts soil and water quality in Kentucky, including eutrophication and water pollution. However, field research data on these aspects in Kentucky are scarce, and the main challenges in conducting field or on‐farm research include lack of different farming management under the same farmland and lack of willingness of the regional farmers to take part in the research studies. This qualitative review aims to compare the effects of various nutrient sources on water quality and soil health in Kentucky. Survey data indicate that in Kentucky, intensive agricultural practices, including heavy machinery and chemical fertilizers, contribute to soil degradation and adversely impact water quality. The state's agricultural landscape, dominated by small family farms, influences localized water quality impacts, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices. Kentucky's agricultural practices show a significant shift toward reduced tillage and increased manure usage from 2017 to 2022. However, the preliminary source of nutrients remains the usage of fertilizers while very little farm‐scale research data on leaching and surface runoff exist. Limited research shows manure application relates to elevated levels of nitrate, phosphate, and ammonium in water. Scarcity of data, including the absence of on‐farm relevant studies, hinders comprehensive insights into profitability, adoption barriers, and socioeconomic impacts that are crucial for promoting effective sustainable agriculture in Kentucky and remains a significant knowledge gap. |
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| ISSN: | 2639-6696 |