University of california program to evaluate water quality management practices at cooperating agricultural sites

Extension is viewed as a critical agent for addressing the water quality impacts of agriculture. To assist growers in implementing management practices (BMPs) and to assess the effectiveness of these BMPs, the University of California undertook two grant projects that assessed cooperator sites for runoff water quality and water conservation. The interdisciplinary approach was largely successful. However, factors creating challenges for quantifying BMP performance included assessing BMPs in a before-and-after manner, limited stormwater runoff, and the limited duration of the projects. Addressing these challenges may help to make similar programs more effective.