Agricultural food production versus soil and water conservation on karst land
Abstract
The impact on water quality by agricultural activity in karst terrain is an important consideration for resource management. Twelve to 20 percent of the earth's land surface is karst land. The most dominant surface expression of karst regions is the sinkhole, or doline, which usually is a fbnnel-shaped depression. As closed catchment areas, sinkholes fbnnel surface flow and pollutants to the groundwater aquifer. The ability of karst areas to rapidly transport contaminants into and through karst aquifers makes the potential for groundwater pollution a critical concern. Significantly, much of the agriculturally productive land in the United States is situated on karst land. Large portions of the corn belt in the upper Midwest are karst. The Edwards Plateau in Texas is a significant karst area. Much of the poultry production in Arkansas and Missouri occur on karst. Florida's freshwater aquifers are largely karst aquifers. Karst areas make up about eighteen percent of the Appalachian Region's land area. An estimated one-third of the Region's farms, cattle, and agricultural market value are located on karst terrain. Agricultural food production on karst lands have been shown to significantly affect water quality in karst aquifers, springs, and receiving surface waters.
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