Objective:
To provide for program development, coordination, and evaluation of the ARS Water Quality Research Program to support the President's Water Quality Initiative. Develop new and modified crop and livestock production systems. Develop decision aids for use by farm consultants to promote use of economical and environmentally safe farming practices.

Approach:
This is an umbrella project for Water Quality. Research areas of emphasis are as follows: 1) determine fate and transport of nutrients and pesticides in the soil and minimize invasion into ground water; 2) improve management of riparian areas adjacent to streams and ponds; 3) develop management systems using cover crops and rotations to eliminate contamination of water supplies; and 4) assess mutagenicity of natural and manufactured contaminants. Original start date was 10/1/1995 and termination date was 9/30/2000.