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Best Management Practices for Agricultural Non-Point Sources of Pollution | |
| Caribbean Environment Programme Technical Report #41 1998 | All CEP Technical Reports |
SECTION 7. CONCLUSION
The draft Protocol on Marine Pollution from Land-based Sources and Activities (the LBSMP Protocol) developed under the Cartagena Convention recognizes the need and desire of governmental and nongovernmental organizations throughout the WCR to address the issues of agricultural nonpoint source pollution as a major category of land-based source pollution in the WCR. With this recognition, the next step in effectively reducing or preventing land-based sources of pollution is to develop and implement a program to educate and aid the agricultural sectors of the countries and territories of the WCR in the art and science of controlling agricultural nonpoint source pollution, including implementation of BMPs. The need to improve the institutional structures, managerial performance, and technical expertise of the small farm sector is evident (CCA and IRF, 1991); however, participation by the large commercial production plantations is also necessary. Currently, the WCR is characterized by a lack of sufficient incentives, extension services, soil conservation investment subsidies, and marketing assistance to further diversify the agricultural base away from its current emphasis on annual subsistence and semiperennial export crops (CCA and IRF, 1991). Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, the prevalence of land tenure insecurity among small farmers, who
in the absence of other incentives are unwilling to pursue costly land conservation strategies (CCA and IRF, 1991), inhibits the implementation of a BMP program that, in the long term, could lower farmers’ production costs and improve production yields.Educating farmers about the costs and benefits of implementing just one or two low-cost, low-tech BMPs has the potential to prevent the degradation of the coastal and marine environment of the WCR. Depending on the existing conditions of the site, the implementation of BMPs can be an economically viable solution to runoff problems. One or two BMPs used in conjunction can prevent runoff of a variety of land-based agricultural pollutants (Table 7-1). The BMPs do not have to be expensive or technologically advanced. For example, mulching can prevent soil erosion. Mulch can be obtained by composting animal waste and vegetative solid waste. Compost used as a mulch provides a natural fertilizer to enhance crop growth and stabilizes soils. This approach reduces the use of inorganic fertilizers. Therefore, two BMPs—mulching and composting—can reduce soil erosion, the runoff of animal waste and solid waste, and the use of inorganic fertilizers.
Other issues and concerns within the WCR that require resolution if a BMP program is to be effective include the inadequacy of quantitative data on agrochemicals (importation, use, impacts) upon which to base informed decisions. At present, a failure to effectively implement existing pesticide legislation or to provide up-to-date pesticide control regulations and monitoring procedures is apparent (CCA and IRF, 1991). Additionally, not only do quantitative data regarding agrochemicals not exist but quantitative data regarding the water quality of the region are minimal. Although limited data are available, a baseline needs to be established to effectively quantify the success or, possibly, the failure of implementing a BMP program.
Finally, the establishment of consistent and adequate land use planning or zoning restrictions in the agricultural sector is needed to ensure the continued availability of environmentally suitable and economically productive lands for cultivation.
Table 7-1. Agricultural BMPs that can be applied to various management measures BMPs
Structural
Nonstructural
Erosion and Sediment Control terraces, diversions, sediment basins, contour farming, wind erosion controls, field borders, filter strips, grassed waterways, contour drains, fencing, sediment basins, stream crossings, sediment fences Education, water management, ground cover (conservation cover/stabilization, cover crop, critical area planting, delayed seedbed operation, indigenous weed management, mulching, heavy use area protection, residue use) conservation tillage, strip-cropping, crop rotation, conservation cropping, buffer zones, water management, good housekeeping practices, deferred grazing, leguminous plants in rotation, proper grazing management, livestock exclusion Nutrient Management terraces, diversions, sediment basins, contour farming, wind erosion controls, field borders, filter strips, grassed waterways, contour drains, sediment basins, stream crossings, sediment fences Education, water management, nutrient management plan, good housekeeping practices, plant and soil analysis, ground cover (conservation cover/stabilization, cover crop, critical area planting, delayed seedbed operation, indigenous weed management, mulching, heavy use area protection, residue use), proper application of nitrogen and phosphorus, realistic yield goals, use of natural fertilizers, leguminous plants in rotation, manure management, waste utilization, buffer zones, composting, waste storage ponds Pesticide Management terraces, diversions, sediment basins, contour farming, wind erosion controls, field borders, filter strips, grassed waterways, contour drains, sediment basins, stream crossings, sediment fences Education, water management, integrated pest management, good housekeeping practices, nutrient and soil analysis, plant and soil analysis, ground cover (conservation cover/stabilization, cover crop, critical area planting, delayed seedbed operation, indigenous weed management, mulching, heavy use area protection, residue use), buffer zones Pathogens terraces, diversions, sediment basins, field borders, filter strips, grassed waterways, contour drains, sediment basins, stream crossings, sediment fences, terraces, diversions, grassed waterways, waste storage ponds, fencing Education, water management, waste utilization, manure management, livestock exclusion, deferred grazing, heavy use area protection, critical area planting, composting, conservation cover/stabilization, critical area planting, mulching, designated feeding and watering areas, buffer zones Solid Waste Management catchment basins, fencing Education, integrated waste management, composting Source: Adapted from USEPA (1993).
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