| dc.description.abstract | A major environmental concern regarding ornamental nurseries is the impact of nutrients and pesticides in irrigation runoff. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and other trace elements are the nutrient pollutants found in recyded irrigation water (EPAJ 1992). Federal, state, and local regulations have been implemented to control the management of irrigation wastewater, to prevent nutrient and pestidde oontamination of water resources (MacDonald et ai, 1994b). Surface runoff water may contaminate streams and lakesJ and excess irrigation water may peroolate into groundwater depending on the site. Production agriculture is labeled as one of the primary contributors to the pollution of groundwater (Wright, 1988). Nurseries are considered to be an agricultural nonpoint source of pollution (Fain et aI, 1998), however they may be considered point sources in the U.S. in the near future (MacDonald et ai, 1994a). capturing nursery runoff and reusing it for irrigation is one way to assure that fertilizer and pesticides in runoff do not contaminate surface waters. Implementing a capture and recycle system in container nurseries prevents pollution reduces water costs and proVides storm water oontrol. | |
