Using Ground Electromagnetic Conductivity to Determine the Source of Nitrate in Dairy Wells
Author(s)
Radcliffe, David E.
Brune, D. E.
Drommerhausen, D. J.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
recent study of dairies in a five-county area
in north Georgia found a high incidence of nitrate nitrogen
(NO3-N) contaminated well water. We used a ground
electromagnetic (EM) conductivity meter to survey nine
dairies in the region to determine the source of
contamination. Ground EM conductivities were highest in
the loafing areas on most dairies. These are the corrals or
small fields near the barn where the milking herd is kept
when it is not in the barn or on pasture, and other areas near
the barn where there is high animal traffic. Conductivities
were typically in the range 15 - 20 mS in -1 in these areas,
compared to less than 10 mS ni l in the pastures away from
barns. Water samples from groundwater observation wells
installed in the loafing areas on three diaries had NO,-N
concentrations of 47-135 mg/L compared to 12-16 mg/L
from a well in a pasture. There was evidence of seepage at
four of the seven wastewater lagoons we surveyed, but the
loafing areas appeared to be a greater threat to drinking water
supplies because they were closer to the milking barn where
the supply well was located and because they affected a
larger area than the lagoons. Best management practices
need to be developed that address nitrate leaching from
loafing areas.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
1995-04
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings