Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5215
AbstractWater-quality and biological characteristics in three streams in the Minnesota River Basin were assessed using data collected during water years 2006–08. The responses of nutrient concentrations, suspended-sediment concentrations, and biological characteristics to agricultural land retirement also were assessed. In general, total nitrogen, suspended-sediment, and chlorophyll-a concentrations, and fish resource quality improved with increasing land retirement. The Chetomba Creek, West Fork Beaver Creek, and South Branch Rush River subbasins, which range in size from about 200 to 400 square kilometers, have similar geologic and hydrologic settings but differ with respect to the amount, type, and location of retired agricultural land. Total nitrogen concentrations were largest, with a mean of 15.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L), in water samples from the South Branch Rush River, a subbasin with little to no agricultural land retirement; total nitrogen concentrations were smaller in samples from Chetomba Creek (mean of 10.6 mg/L) and West Fork Beaver Creek (mean of 7.9 mg/L), which are subbasins with more riparian or upland land retirement at the basin scale. Total phosphorus concentrations were not related directly to differing land-retirement percentages with mean concentrations at primary data-collection sites of 0.259 mg/L in the West Fork Beaver Creek subbasin, 0.164 mg/L in the Chetomba Creek subbasin, and 0.180 mg/L in the South Branch Rush River subbasin. Temporal variation in water quality was characterized using data from in-stream water-quality monitors and storm-sediment data. Fish data indicate better resource quality for the West Fork Beaver Creek subbasin than for other subbasins likely due to a combination of factors, including habitat quality, food resources, and dissolved oxygen characteristics. Index of biotic integrity (IBI) scores increased as local land-retirement percentages (within 50 and 100 meters of the streams) increased. Data and analysis from this study can be used to evaluate the success of agricultural management practices and land-retirement programs for improving stream quality. |
First posted December 24, 2009 For additional information contact: Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge. |
Christensen, V.G., Lee, K.E., Sanocki, C.A., Mohring, E.H., and Kiesling, R.L., 2009, Water-quality and biological characteristics and responses to agricultural land retirement in three streams of the Minnesota River Basin, water years 2006–08: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5215, 52 p., 3 app.
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Methods
Water-Quality Characteristics of Three Streams in the Minnesota River Basin
Biological Characteristics of Three Streams in the Minnesota River Basin
Water-Quality and Biological Responses to Agricultural Land Retirement
Implications
Summary
References Cited
Appendix 1. Algal species composition, density, and biovolume for samples collected from Chetomba Creek, West Fork Beaver Creek, and South Branch Rush River, August 2006 and July 2007
Appendix 2. Invertebrate species composition and abundance for samples collected from Chetomba Creek, West Fork Beaver Creek, and South Branch Rush River, August 2006 and July 2007
Appendix 3. Fish species composition, weight, and catch per unit effort for samples collected from Chetomba Creek, West Fork Beaver Creek, and South Branch Rush River, August 2006 and 2007
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
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