MITIGATING WATER QUALITY CONCERNS: HOW THE ALFALFA INDUSTRY MIGHT RESPOND

While alfalfa provides many positive attributes contributing to environmental health, several issues associated with water quality have become apparent in recent years. Although alfalfa is not highly pesticide intensive, several pesticides have been implicated in water quality contamination. Specifically, the potential for contamination of surface waters with Organophosphate. insecticides and the potential for contamination of groundwater with winter-applied herbicides have been shown. A range of mitigation measures, which differ from farm to farm and soil to soil, may be appropriate. It is important for alfalfa growers to take leadership on development, demonstration, and research towards mitigation measures for these water quality problems, so that they are compatible with profitable crop production. An Environmental Stewardship Program for alfalfa producers that assists in addressing water quality concerns may be helpful. Public articulation of an ‘environmental balance sheet ’ for alfalfa may also assist in public discussions about the role of alfalfa in the environment