2019 DeKalb County SWCD Water Testing
This program is designed to engage farmers in nutrient and water quality issues facing agriculture by providing information on possible nutrient losses from production operations. By comparing water testing results to other known concentrations and research results, farmers can begin to understand their own impact on water quality and consider best management practices that reduce losses. Results provided to farmers are simply a snapshot in time of nutrient levels in water collected from tile drainage, surface runoff or nearby streams. With a measurement of flow and a known acreage being drained, we can estimate for pounds per acre leaving the field. These test results are just a starting point for learning and for discussion of the practices available for farmers to reduce their nutrient losses.
Sample Collection Instructions:
- Sample containers should be clean and free of any residual chemicals or detergents.
- Water samples need to be at least 8 ounces.
- Samples should be taken as close to the testing time as possible (preferably within 48hrs).
- Samples should be kept refrigerated if not being tested immediately.
- An estimate of flow will allow additional calculations (load in lbs/day)– simply record the seconds it takes to fill up a 5 gallon bucket (this would only apply to tile drain samples).
- With the load calculation and an estimate of acres being drained, the lbs/acre/day can also be determined.
Testing Dates & Times:
Open house 9-11am
(April 2, 9, & 30, May 7 & 28, June 4 & 25, July 2, 23, & 30, August 20 & 27)
Other Helpful Links:
Fish Sales for Pond Stocking
We conduct a fish sale in the spring and in the fall for stocking or restocking of ponds. Varieties include: Channel Catfish, Albino Catfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Fathead Minnows, Bluegill, Redear, Black Crappie, and Triploid Grass Carp. Next sale April 25, 2020, order forms will be available soon!
Rain Barrels
Rainwater harvesting is always beneficial, whether the water is used for one houseplant or an entire garden. The Soil and Water Conservation District has for sale 55 gallon rain barrels that were made from food-grade drums that use to carry food products such as olives and pickles. These barrels are small enough to fit on most residential or commercial lots.
George McKibben Memorial Scholarship
Deadline - 2020 TBA
Seeding Conservation Areas
The Soil and Water Conservation District can assist you in the seeding of conservation areas. For smaller areas of 5 acres or less we can custom seed your site with our 4 foot no-till seeder. Rates are based on delivery and tach hours used to seed the site. For larger areas the DeKalb County Pheasants Forever Chapter has no-till drills available to rent for habitat planting within DeKalb County. Rental rate is $10/ acre for the drill and delivery is $100. Please contact the Soil and Water Conservation District office to make arrangements and to find out more information.
Scholarships
Leopold Education Scholarship Fund
Deadline is February 15, 2020.
Soil and Water Conservation District of DeKalb County
Custom Seeding: Air Broadcast Seeder for Pollinators, Cover Crops, and Native Prairie Grasses. Contact the SWCD for more information.
Simonson Scholarship
Deadline - 2021 TBA.
*Only offered in odd number years*