• Primary Environmental Concerns In Alabama - Water Quality Threatened By Nonpoint Pollution
• Results Of A National Pesticide Survey - Are Community Water Systems Safe?
• Soil Testing Can Help The Rural Environment
• Using Sewage Sludge As Fertilizer and Land Application Of Sludge - Farmers Should Consider Sludge As A Nutrient Source
• Using Livestock Manure As Fertilizer - Livestock Manure As Fertilizer May Lower Costs
• Calibrating Spreaders For The Application Of Animal And Poultry Manure - Calibrating Is The Key To Successful Fertilizer Application
• Calibrating Dry Broadcast Fertilizer Applicators - Calibration Checks Will Prevent Pesticide Misuse
• Fertilizer Applicator Calibration (Drop-Type)

      Scientists carrying out water quality research have identified nonpoint source pollution as the principal problem. Although nonpoint pollution may originate from many sources, forestry operations, mining, construction excavations, and agriculture are good examples.
      In agriculture, the potential risk from fertilizers and pesticides has become the primary concern. Both surface water and groundwater supplies can become polluted from these sources.
      Auburn University, in cooperation with federal, state and private agencies, is involved in research and Extension programs that address all of these environmental concerns.
      Information on this and other environmental questions is available from the ________________ County Extension office. Ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. Extension personnel will be happy to go through the handbook with you, and they'll make copies of any articles you may need.

Radio/TV Release: Water Quality Threatened By Nonpoint Pollution

      Nonpoint source pollution is the primary threat to Alabama's rivers and streams, but what exactly is nonpoint pollution? Where does it come from? Most importantly, what's being done about it? The answers to these and other questions are available through the ________________ County Extension Office. Ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. Extension office personnel will be happy to go over the information with you, and they'll make copies of any articles you may need.    Back to Contents

(News Release For: "Results Of A National Pesticide Survey")

      How safe are community water systems (CWS) and rural domestic wells in the U.S.? A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study completed in 1991 attempted to answer that question by determining the frequency and concentration of pesticides and nitrates in drinking water wells nationwide.
      The results indicate that pesticides are more often found in community well systems than in rural domestic wells, but that concentrations were lower in community wells than in rural wells.
      The survey also showed that nitrate was detected more frequently and in higher concentration levels in rural domestic wells.
      Most importantly, though, the survey indicates only minimal concern for pesticides in CWS wells since none of the sampled wells were above the Health Advisory levels established by EPA.
      As for nitrates, the data indicate a need to apply more stringent controls on solid waste disposal. The study also shows the need for better education for rural well owners and urban dwellers about reducing and preventing nitrate contamination.
      More information on this and other topics is available through the ________________ County Extension Office. Ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. Extension personnel will be happy to make copies of any articles you might need.

Radio/TV Release.- Are Community Water Systems Safe?

      Are our community and private wells contaminated from pesticides and nitrate? That seems to be the opinion held by many Americans, but the facts don't support this belief. A 1991 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study indicates that the number of wells with contamination at possibly unsafe levels is only about 0.6 percent nationwide. However, that doesn't mean well users should automatically believe their water is safe. Having the water tested is the only sure way to know how safe the supply is.
      For more information on this and other environmental concerns, see your County agent and ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. Extension personnel will be happy to make copies of any articles you might need.    Back to Contents

(News Release For: "Soil Testing Can Help The Rural Environment")

      It would be very difficult today to find an agricultural operation that doesn't use fertilizers as an essential part of their business. But choosing the right fertilizer is a much more involved process than many people realize.
      The first, and perhaps most important, step is soil testing. Soil testing has been emphasized for decades as essential to safe and economical fertilizer use. In fact, where nutrient recommendations are followed within reasonable soil testing guidelines, there has been no indication of excessive nutrients entering surface or groundwaters. Fertilizers and manure can actually improve the environment by enhancing productivity and fertilizer efficiency on the nation's farmland.
      If you would like to get more information on soil testing, drop by the ________________ County Extension Office and ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. It contains articles on this and other chemical-related topics. Extension personnel will be happy to go over the material with you, and they'll make copies of any articles you'd like to take home for closer study.

Radio/TV Release: Soil Testing Can Help The Rural Environment

      Farmers, when it's time to think about applying fertilizer, what's the first step you take? If the answer isn't to have your soil tested, you could be looking for problems. The proper use of manures and fertilizers are essential to sustain agriculture in Alabama. Soil testing has been emphasized for decades as essential to safe and economical fertilizer use. Fertilizers and manure can, in fact, help improve our environment by enhancing productivity and fertilizer efficiency on the nation's farmland.
      If you'd like more information on soil testing, stop by the ________________ County Extension Office and ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. It contains information on this and many other chemical-related topics. Extension personnel will be glad to go over the information with you and they'll make copies of articles you'd like to take with you.
      Get the right answers from the right source: the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.    Back to Contents

(News Release For: "Using Sewage Sludge As Fertilizer" And "Land Application Of Sludge")

      Farmers searching for nutrient sources for the soil might consider sludge. Sewage sludge is an end product of the wastewater treatment process. When used as a fertilizer, sludge benefits the environment by turning wastes into valuable resources. It also means the sludge won't have to be disposed of in a landfill, lagoon, by incineration, or by ocean dumping.
      One of the main advantages of using sludge is that it can be used alone or as a supplement to commercial fertilizers. Its low cost is another consideration. However, farmers must remember that its nutrient value may vary, so have your soil tested to determine nutrient needs.
      There are concerns about the impact of sludge on groundwater supplies and the possible presence of toxic materials in the sludge. EPA has set limits on five metals that may be found in sludge and a permit is required in Alabama before sludge can be applied to land.
      Complete information on using sludge as a fertilizer can be found in the handbook Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality. Copies can be reviewed at the ________________ County Extension Office, and Extension personnel will be happy to go over the information with anyone who is interested. They will also make copies of articles that you would like to take with you.

Radio/TV Release: Farmers Should Consider Sludge As A Nutrient Source

      Farmers looking for a cheap alternative fertilizer may want to consider sewage sludge. Not only is it cheap, but it is also a good source of soil nutrients. However, there are some restrictions on its use in Alabama, so check with the experts before proceeding. More information on sludge as a fertilizer can be found in the handbook Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality. It can be reviewed at the ________________ County Extension Office, and Extension personnel will be happy to answer any questions you might have. If you'd like, they will also make copies of articles that you may take home.    Back to Contents

(News Release For: "Using Livestock Manure As Fertilizer")

      Farmers are constantly looking for ways to make their land more productive at lower costs while keeping the environment healthy. One idea is to use livestock manure as fertilizer. It can provide nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
      Manure application also helps the soil's water holding capacity and tilth. However, farmers are cautioned to follow good management practices to avoid hazards to the crop and to the environment.
      Manure applications should be based entirely on the soil's nutrient needs. Have periodic soil testing to determine the nutrient needs for the crop to be grown.
      For more detailed information on using livestock manure as fertilizer, check with the ________________ County Extension Office. Ask to see the handbook Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality. It has information on this and many other related topics. Extension personnel will be happy to help you find the right information sources. They will also make copies of handbook articles that you may take with you.

Radio/TV Release: Livestock Manure As Fertilizer May Lower Costs

      Farmers--if you're looking for an alternative fertilizer source, you might want to consider livestock manure. It provides nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and can increase the soil's water holding capacity and tilth. Poultry waste, cattle manure, and swine manure are all used as fertilizers in Alabama. However, there are some dangers to the groundwater supply. Before you proceed, check with the ________________ County Extension Office. Ask to see the handbook Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality. It's filled with information on this and other chemical-related topics. Extension personnel will make copies of any articles you would like to take with you. Remember, the environment belongs to all of us, and all of us are responsible for protecting it.

(News Release For: "Calibrating Spreaders For The Application Of Animal And Poultry Manure")

      More and more farmers are using animal and poultry manures as fertilizer today, but are they correctly applying the materials? If not, they may be doing more harm than good.
      Calibrating your spreader is a simple and effective way for you to improve the utilization of the nutrients in the manure, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Only by knowing the application rate of your spreader can you correctly apply manure to correspond to crop needs.
      If you are uncertain as to how to correctly calibrate a spreader, there's an easy way to get the answer. Drop by the ________________ County Extension Office and ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. It contains articles on this and many other chemical-related topics. Extension personnel will be happy to go over the material with you, and they'll make copies of any articles you might want to take home.
      Get the information you need to make your efforts even more successful while doing your part to keep the environment safe for everyone.

Radio/TV Release: Calibrating Is The Key

      Farmers--if you're using animal and poultry manures as fertilizer, you need to determine if you're applying it correctly. Incorrect application can harm not only the crop, but can pollute the groundwater as well. The problem is easily solved by properly calibrating your spreader before each operation. If you're not sure how to perform this operation, check with the ________________ County Extension Office. Ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. It contains articles on this and many other chemical-related topics. Extension personnel will be glad to go over the information with you and they'll make copies of any articles you might want to take home. To do the best job, get the best information. Stop by the Extension office today.

(News Release For: "Calibrating Dry Broadcast Fertilizer Applicators")

      If your pesticide program is to produce desired results, you will need to use uniform and accurate application of fertilizers, lime, pesticides and other soil amendments. Not only is this practice profitable, it's also required by both state and federal agencies.
      Just as important is the proper selection of equipment and the calibration of that equipment. You will also need to evaluate the equipment's performance to ensure satisfactory results. Keep in mind that even the best equipment will need calibration checks, especially when you change from one type of material to another.
      Calibration checks of bulk fertilizer equipment should show the type of spread pattern, including the degree of uniformity across the swath; the effective swath width; and the rate of application. The system used to check calibration should be accurate, easily understood by the operator, and simple to operate.
      If you would like more detailed information on equipment, calibration or other chemical-related topics, stop by the ________________ County Extension Office. Ask to see the handbook entitled Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality. It contains articles by Extension experts and others. Extension personnel will make copies of articles that you would like to take with you. Taking the time to get the information now could save you time and money later.

Radio/TV Release: Calibration Checks Will Prevent Pesticide Misuse

      If you want to see better results from your pesticide and fertilizer programs this season, you're going to need to get off to a good start. Be certain you choose the right equipment and that you calibrate it correctly. If you don't do it now, it may cost you money later. For more information on equipment and calibration, visit the ________________ County Extension Office. Ask to see the handbook entitled Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality. It contains detailed information about these and other chemical-related topics. Extension personnel will be happy to go over the information with you and they will make copies of articles you need.

(News Release For: "Fertilizer Applicator Calibration (Drop-Type)")

      Proper use of fertilizers is more important now than ever before. Consumers are concerned about the safety of the food they and their families are eating. Farmers are just as concerned. They know that inefficient fertilizer use adds to the cost of production, wastes energy resources, and poses a threat to the environment.
      According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, many of these worries and problems can be eliminated by proper calibration of fertilizer equipment. Proper calibration of fertilizer applicators can help assure accurate and evenly distributed amounts of fertilizer to crops.
      If you would like more information on equipment calibration, stop by the ________________ County Extension Office and ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. It contains information on this and other chemical-related topics. Extension personnel will be happy to go over the information with you, and they'll make copies of articles for you to take home.
      The Extension office is located at ___________________________.

Radio/TV Release: Fertilizer Applicator Calibration

      If it's time for you to be thinking about fertilizer application, take a moment to think about the environment, too. Improper use of fertilizers is not only costly, it's dangerous. Over-fertilizing adds to the cost of production, uses up energy resources and poses a possible danger to the environment. One way to avoid these problems is to properly calibrate fertilizer equipment. Proper calibration of fertilizer applicators can help assure accurate and evenly distributed amounts of fertilizer to the crops.
      If you would like more information on equipment calibration, stop by the ________________ County Extension Office and ask to see the Agricultural Chemical Management for Environmental Quality handbook. Extension personnel will go over the information with you and they'll make copies of any articles you'd like to take home.
      To get the best answers, go to the best source: the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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