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Tailgate attendees take a closer look at cover crop species |
In 2001, CCVT received a grant from the Regional Water Quality Control Board to develop demonstration sites that minimize non-point source pollution and protect water quality. The RWQCB recognizes that CCVT's innovative Positive Points System and its whole farm approach would be important tools in protecting water quality for drinking, irrigation, recreation, and environmental uses. While significant funds are provided by the 319(h) grant from the RWQCB, private industry funds are provided through CCVT memberships and time and resources from demonstration growers.
What is Non-Point Source (NPS) Pollution? NPS pollution occurs when water that carries pollutants moves over the soil surface or percolates downward through the soil profile. These pollutants can be natural or "man-made" and may eventually be deposited into streams, rivers, lakes, the ocean, coastal estuaries and groundwater. NPS pollutants commonly associated with agriculture include sediment, fertilizers, and pesticides. Water containing any of these constituents reduces the potential of this water being beneficially used for drinking, irrigation, recreation, and the environment.
What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
- BMPs are strategies that reduce NPS pollution involving reducing the potential pollutant (i.e., nitrogen) and/or reducing the pollutant carrier (i.e., fast moving water).
- BMPs for this project are practices that reduce off-site movement of soil, water, fertilizers and pesticides.
- BMPs being implemented in this project include: grassed roads and water ways, cover crops between and under the vines, and fertilizer management through soil and petiole sampling.
Project Components
- Twelve demonstration vineyards were selected from existing Central Coast vineyards that are within the Salinas, Santa Maria, and Santa Ynez watersheds. Many of these vineyards are current CCVT members. However, several non-member vineyards were chosen to encourage broader participation.
- Demonstration sites were selected primarily based on their areas of sensitivity and proximity to water bodies. Specific project areas include dirt roads, barren areas with no cover, and areas where minimizing fertilizer applications were of interest to the vineyard managers.
- Project monitoring includes annual PPS evaluations, photo documentation, stream monitoring, and soil sampling.
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Clean Water Project Coordinator, Dawn Stimson, & Tailgate attendees identify cover crop species |
Grower Participation
- Once demonstration areas were selected, BMPs were developed utilizing technical assistance from Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Conservation District, and erosion control specialist.
- The NPS team worked closely with vineyard managers to ensure that the BMPs were consistent with their management objectives for these areas.
- Full cooperation and "buy-in" is necessary for this project's success because successful implementation of these practices requires substantial work from the growers.
- Demonstration growers are matching this project with vineyard equipment, staffing, seed establishment, irrigation, and monitoring during the establishment of vegetation.
Outreach and Education
- CCVT extends the information regarding these practices and project results through its aggressive outreach and education program.
- Tailgate meetings, newsletter articles, and industry presentations reach growers and managers within and beyond the Central Coast Region
Recently Published! Water Quality Regulation Provide Incentive for Cost-Effective Cover Cropping Programs (Practical Winery and Vineyard, January, 05).
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