Agriculture

Nitrogen is present in crop fertilizer and livestock manure. This nitrogen can infiltrate groundwater or get carried to the nearest waterbody via stormwater runoff or overland flow. In this way, agricultural activities in Puget Sound watersheds can affect nitrogen loading into Puget Sound.

Agriculture Areas

This map shows agricultural areas in the Puget Sound in terms of land use (land use that is cultivated, or pasture/hay). This 2011 land-use dataset is generated by NOAA C-CAP Regional Land Cover and Change program.

Agricultural land use is scattered throughout Puget Sound watersheds but is more concentrated in some areas. Agricultural areas and activities in the Puget Sound region are generally not increasing over time in the Puget Sound region (in contrast to urban areas, which are expanding).

Agricultural activities are a vital part of our food system and local economy. Along with other state agencies, conservation districts, and county-level entities, we work with farmers and landowners across Puget Sound to implement effective practices that prevent agricultural runoff from making it to our rivers and streams.

Many agricultural producers have implemented some of the following practices that can reduce the amount of nitrogen entering water bodies:

  • maintaining or planting riparian buffers
  • making fertilizer use more efficient so less fertilizer needs to be used
  • optimizing the timing of fertilizer application to increase uptake by crops
  • using nutrients agronomically (proper timing, rate, placement and source) to avoid losing nutrients to the environment
  • preventing livestock nutrients (manure) from entering surface waters by implementing good pasture management and manure application practices

We also have a Water Quality Combined Funding Program where eligible entities (e.g. counties, cities, tribes, conservation districts and some nonprofit organizations) can apply for grants to help pay for the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce nonpoint source pollution from agricultural areas, among other things.