Factors affecting leaching in agricultural areas and an assessment of agricultural chemicals in the ground water of Kansas
Water-Resources Investigations Report
88-4104
By: C. A. Perry, F.V. Robbins, and P.L. Barnes
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Abstract
As assessment of hydrologic factors and agricultural practices that may affect the leaching of agricultural chemicals to groundwater was conducted to evaluate the extent and severity of chemical contamination of groundwater resources in Kansas. The climate of a particular area determines the length of the growing season and the availability of water, at the surface and in the ground, for the growth of plants. Climate, together with surficial geology, soil, and principal aquifers, determines the types of crops to be planted,types of tillage, conservation and irrigation practices, and affects the quantity and method of application of agricultural chemicals. Examination of groundwater nitrate-nitrogen data collected from 766 wells throughout Kansas during 1976-81 indicated that 13 of 14 geohydrologic regions had wells producing samples that exceeded the 10-mg/L drinking water standard determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One or more herbicides were detected in water samples from 11 of 56 wells during 1985-86 located in areas susceptible to agricultural leaching. Atrazine was the most common herbicide that was detected; it was detected in water at 9 of 11 wells. Cyanazine was detected in water at three wells; metolachlor at two wells; and metribuzin, alachlor, simazine, and propazine were detected at one well each. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Perry, C.A., Robbins, F., and Barnes, P., 1988, Factors affecting leaching in agricultural areas and an assessment of agricultural chemicals in the ground water of Kansas: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 88-4104, iv, 55 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri884104.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Factors affecting leaching in agricultural areas and an assessment of agricultural chemicals in the ground water of Kansas |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 88-4104 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri884104 |
| Year Published | 1988 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | iv, 55 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm. |