Farming Practices and Implications for Water Quality and Sustainability on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
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2024-05
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Up to 443 million school days are missed annually due to illnesses related to water across the globe (Human Development Report, 2006). Agricultural land runoff is a factor affecting the river and stream water quality, the third-leading source of lake water quality, and the second-largest source of wetland impairment in the continental United States (NWQA, 2017). In Hawaiʻi, the two primary water issues are the presence of potable freshwater and the pollution of surface water by organic or inorganic pollutants linked to both agricultural and non-agricultural activities (USGS, 1999). This proposed study attempts to address the urgent problem of decreasing water quality linked to agricultural activities, 38 percent of water bodies are significantly under pressure from agricultural pollution (WWAP, 2015), using cooperative methods to monitor water quality as influenced by farmers' practices. By comparing recent water quality results with existing data from the previous five years, I will create recommendations for sustainable water management techniques. The proposed research approach integrates technology, analytics, and community engagement focused on Kaiaka Bay, Oʻahu, a region with diverse agricultural landscapes. Water testing will occur semi-annually over a year, targeting three primary agricultural practices: irrigation, fertilizer usage, and manure management. Interviews with farmers will provide insights into farming practices and perceptions regarding water quality enhancement. Anticipated outputs include water quality datasets, spatial maps, insights into the impact of agricultural practices on water quality, best practices in agriculture, and farmer feedback, with intended outcomes including enhancing water quality and providing best practices for farmer groups in Hawaiʻi, influencing local policies, and extending recommendations globally. The project will start in January 2024, data gathering will begin in May 2024, and the report will be completed by May 2025, with partnerships sought with non-profit organizations and the need for a budget to support water quality testing and field visits. Through collaborative efforts bridging scientific knowledge and policymaking, this study acknowledges the substantial influence of agricultural practices on various water bodies and aims to address the urgent problem of decreasing water quality linked to these activities.
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Contaminated sediment, Fertilizers and manures, Nutrient pollution of water, Diversified farming, Water quality--Testing
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14 pages
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Hawaii
Hawaii--Oahu
Hawaii--Oahu
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Table of Contents
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In Copyright
Rights Holder
Chhimcanal, Bunneam
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