POW Number: 4.A

POW Title: Management of Land Resources and Wastes

Situation Statement:

This POW, for both adult and youth audiences, will address the wise use of natural resources to benefit society with a minimum negative impact on the environment. In the context of this POW, pollution is viewed as a resource that is out of place, and it is the mission of this program to put more of these lost resources to useful applications.

Regarding the compost production and utilization segment of this POW, the program will involve generators of organic wastes who will utilize large-scale composting practices. Small-scale composting and the recycling of organic resources will become more commonplace in institutional, public, and home grounds. Poultry and livestock producers will develop and implement biosecure animal mortality composting practices.

Regarding the land application of municipal and industrial wastes segment of this POW, soil quality will be utilized to assess the viability of waste application to soils and to develop environmentally sound strategies for soil utilization of waste products. Because of our lifestyle, we generate a large variety and volume of waste materials that historically have been thrown away. Increased environmental awareness, the desire to conserve natural resources, economic factors, and shrinking landfill space have all contributed to increased interest and desire to find alternate approaches to landfill disposal of low value, large volume wastes. Use of such wastes as soil amendments for agricultural and horticultural soils is one such approach. To be truly beneficial and to be a viable option to disposal, such waste utilization must maintain or improve soil quality and function.

Improperly managed resource extraction, manufacturing processes, chemical spills, waste disposal and other human activities have left a legacy of degraded soils and landscapes including mined sites, chemically contaminated soils, and brownfields. Remediation, reclamation, restoration, and reutilization of these sites is often complex, costly, and controversial. To be successful such efforts must address technical, economic, and social aspects of the site itself and possible impacts on people in the surrounding area. This POW will work with stakeholders of environmentally degraded sites to address issues in each of these areas.

Regarding the land recycling and rejuvenation segment of this POW, participants associated with environmentally degraded sites will be able to assess land damage and will restore them to an environmentally safe and economically productive state. Farmers will rejuvenate their farms.

Regarding the integrated solid waste management segment of this POW, sound waste management programs for all sectors of agriculture will be addressed. Agricultural producers will learn the principles of integrated solid waste management. Additionally, agricultural producers and agricultural suppliers will practice pollution prevention.

SUB POW: 4.A.1. Compost Production and Utilization

Objective: 4.A.1.1. Increase the number of clientele incorporating strategies for compost production and utilization.

1. Number of persons attending workshops.
2. Number of persons or organizations beginning to compost.

SUB POW: 4.A.2. Land Application of Municipal and Industrial Wastes

Objective: 4.A.2.1. Managing land application of municipal and industrial wastes to enhance soil quality and protect the environment.

1. Number of participants/contacts.
2. Number of people who increase their knowledge of by-product materials characterized for soil-based beneficial use.

SUB POW: 4.A.3. Land Recycling and Rejuvenation

Objective: 4.A.3.1. Increase public understanding and acceptance of methods used for reclamation and restoration of environmentally degraded sites.

1. Number of communities/organizations that received training or advice from Cooperative Extension regarding restoration/remediation of degraded soil areas.

 

SUB POW: 4.A.4. Integrated Solid Waste Management

Objective: 4.A.4.1. Develop the optimal waste management plan for agricultural wastes.

1. Number of participants.
2. Number of producers who demonstrate increased knowledge about solid waste management practices that reduce air and land pollution.