Regenerative Agriculture and Alum Creek Watershed Improvement Project

This project addresses water quality issues related to sediment erosion, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) runoff from a 5-acre farm and a downstream 20-acre seasonal cattle pasture into Alum Creek and the Truckee River. Sediment erosion on our property occurs primarily due to tillage agriculture and cattle overgrazing, which leaves soil bare and susceptible to erosion, leading to the transport of N and P with sediment.

The project area encompasses a 5-acre urban farm, focusing on converting 1.75 acres of tilled land to no-till practices and improving cover on 1 acre of historic pastureland. The project targets Alum Creek and the Truckee River as the receiving water bodies for non-point source (NPS) pollutants.

According to the EPA, “Nationwide, soil erosion, nutrient loss, and the runoff of pesticides and other contaminants from America’s vast agricultural land base are the leading causes of water quality impairment.” Sediment erosion, particularly from tillage agriculture and grazing, is a significant issue in the watershed, contributing to degraded water quality and impaired aquatic ecosystems.

This proposal addresses the challenge of non-point water pollution holistically by enhancing the landscape’s ability to absorb contaminants, educating the public to reduce the amount introduced to the watershed, and promoting effective management practices.

Through the conversion of 1.75 acres of tilled land to no-till practices and the utilization of cover cropping, soil organic material will increase, improving water retention and reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. These activities will be paired with educational workshops targeted at the community to improve the adoption of beneficial landscaping techniques.

Project Methods:

• Increase soil cover on tilled land by applying compost and mulch to any bare soil.
• Plant cool-season cover crop mix in fall and spring to provide cover from October to June.
• Plant warm-season cover crop mix in early summer to provide cover from June to October.
• Terminate cover crops using a roller crimper or mowing to leave residue in place.
• Implement a rotational grazing plan with goats and chickens on 2 acres and seed a mix of cool and warm-season perennials to increase year-round cover. (Practice rotational grazing to manage stubble height and leave plant residues on soil).
• Organize workshops on mulching, organic growing practices, and no-till systems for local farmers and homeowners.

TMWA Benefit:

This project is closely aligned with TRF’s priorities by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that reduce sediment erosion, improve soil health, and enhance water quality in Alum Creek. Although it does not specifically address aquatic invasives, it aligns with the core objectives of TRF in several critical ways:

Reducing Sediment Erosion: No-Till Agriculture: By converting 1.75 acres of tillage agriculture to no-till, we will minimize soil disturbance, significantly reducing soil erosion. This practice helps maintain soil structure and prevents sediment from entering Alum Creek.

Cover Cropping: Implementing cover cropping on our farm helps protect the soil from erosion by providing ground cover year-round. Cover crops also enhance soil organic matter and improve soil stability, further reducing sediment runoff.

Improving Soil Health: Application of Mulch and Compost: By applying mulch and compost to bare soils, we enhance soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content. These practices support a healthy soil microbiome, which is essential for long-term soil fertility and stability.

Rotational Grazing: Introducing rotational grazing with goats and chickens on 2 acres will help manage plant residues and improve soil cover. This method promotes nutrient cycling and prevents overgrazing, contributing to soil health.

Enhancing Water Quality: Nutrient Runoff Reduction: Our project aims to reduce nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) runoff into Alum Creek and the Truckee River by capturing these nutrients in our soil through cover cropping and no-till practices. Improved soil organic matter will also help retain nutrients, reducing their leaching into waterways.

Water Retention and Infiltration: The increased organic matter and soil cover will enhance water retention and infiltration, reducing surface runoff and the transport of sediments and nutrients into the water bodies.

Public Awareness and Education: Workshops and Outreach: Conducting public workshops on soil health practices, such as mulching, organic growing, and no-till systems, will raise awareness among local farmers and homeowners. These educational efforts will encourage the adoption of sustainable practices that contribute to improved watershed health. Community Engagement: By involving the local community in our project, we foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment. Increased public awareness will lead to broader community support for practices that protect and enhance water quality.

Sustainable and Organic Practices: Continuation of Organic Growing Practices: Our commitment to organic farming practices for the past seven years aligns with TRF’s priorities by keeping chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides out of our watershed. This approach protects water quality and promotes ecosystem health.

By implementing these integrated practices, our project will significantly advance TRF’s priorities. It will reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, improve soil health, enhance water quality in Alum Creek, and raise public awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts will contribute to a healthier ecosystem and a more informed and engaged community.