Knowledge and Adoption of Best Management Practices to Address Water Quality Issues

Efforts to control nonpoint source pollution (NPS) that impacts water quality have focused on conservation practices, also known as best management practices (BMPs). BMPs are voluntary, and therefore adoption rates vary due to availability of financial/technical assistance, environmental perceptions, and perception and knowledge of BMPs, among other things. This study looks at agricultural producers in the nutrient-rich Illinois River Watershed in Arkansas, and analyzes perception and adoption of BMPs. While differences between producer types existed, focusing educational/outreach efforts on demonstrating the existence of water quality issues may prove to be the most effective tool in increasing the adoption rates of BMPs in the watershed and improving water quality for downstream stakeholders