Breaking Down Barriers
Supporting Community Engagement and Effective Science Communication
We have discontinued the Breaking Down Barriers program but will continue to make available its web resources. If you have questions, please email us.
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Climate Change in My Community: Farming and Weather and Runoff, Oh My!
Farming is no easy task! Challenge yourself to grow crops effectively without contaminating
local waterways using methods employed by actual farmers.
This activity demonstrates how agriculture affects water systems in the form of runoff. It also illustrates how weather (short-term atmospheric conditions) and climate (long-term atmospheric behavior) affect choices farmers make to manage their crop growth while preventing excess runoff. Reduce agricultural runoff by employing strategies such as limiting fertilization use, planting field buffers and cover crops, managing livestock access to streams, and even planting native prairie.
