Potential Groundwater Contamination from Agricultural Pesticide Use

Author: John Nowatzki
Organization: North Dakota State University

1221 Albrecht Boulevard
Fargo, ND 58105
USA

Phone: 701-231-8213
Fax: 701-231-8001
jnowatzk@ndsuext.nodak.edu

This is a GIS application of an assessment system for potential groundwater contamination from agricultural pesticide use in North Dakota. The system includes the following factors: aquifer depth and water flow direction, soil permeability, soil organic matter content, and pesticide use and chemistry. The GIS-generated sensitivity maps are served on the Internet. Individuals use a Web browser to choose their location and select a pesticide. A map is served showing the most sensitive areas in red and the least sensitive areas in green. The user can overlay themes that indicate why each area has the specified sensitivity.