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Long-term nitrate monitoring network in the confined aquifer in the irrigated area north of the Rio Grande

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Long-term nitrate monitoring network in the confined aquifer in the irrigated area north of the Rio Grande

Study Area: Study Area: Irrigated area north of Rio Grande roughly bounded by Alamosa, Monte Vista, Center and Hooper, Colorado
Period of Project: May 1997 through September 2001
Project Number: CO264
Project Chief: Robert W. Stogner
Cooperator: Rio Grande Water Conservation District; Center Soil Conservation District; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Resource Conservation and Development

BACKGROUND:

Since the mid 1900's, studies have documented the occurrence of elevated nitrate concentrations in ground water in the intensively irrigated area north of the Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley. The results of these studies, however, were not directly comparable due to differences in well networks and sampling and analytical methodologies. Fertilizer-application and water-management practices that minimize nitrate leaching to the shallow aquifer have been developed. Resource management agencies are promoting these management strategies to address water-quality concerns. A sampling network to evaluate the areal extent and trends in concentration and mass of nitrate in ground water has been developed in the intensively irrigated area north of the Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley. Long-term monitoring of the network will provide an understanding of changes in the concentration and mass of nitrate in ground water in response to changes in fertilizer application and water management.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To define the areal extent of elevated concentrations of nitrate.
2. To determine if concentrations of nitrate are changing over time, and if concentrations are changing, how (in what direction and at what rate).
3. To assist resource managers evaluate the likely reasons for the identified change(s) in nitrate concentrations.