ROMANIA
AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT
Design of Testing and Demonstration Program
for
Environment-friendly Agricultural Practices
Design of Testing and Demonstration Program
for
Environment-friendly Agricultural Practices
Introduction
A team of technical personnel conducted a study to determine the environment-friendly
conservation practices that would be appropriate for the project area. The team also prepared a
list of practices to be tested and demonstrated on farms in both the terrace (upland) and the
Polder (bottomland) of the project area. The team consisted of:
- Ion Toncea, Research Institute for Cereals and Industrial Crops, Fundulea, Romania
- Constantin Rotaru, National Forestry Organization (Regia Nationala a Padurilor)
- Gabriel Vulpe, Administrative Assistant, PPU
- Arnold King, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Land treatment alternatives discussed in this report are cost-effective and reduce the risk of water
pollution from non-point sources. Practices were selected that can be applied by farmers using
inexpensive material and labor. The environmental effects for all recommended practices are
beneficial, but quantifying the effects will require long-term monitoring of the ground and surface
water within the project area.
The Polder area will have reforestation practices that will require the use of native plant species
which may/or may not be readily available through the National Forestry Organization
(Constantin Rotaru). The polder area has salinity problems aggravated by sub-irrigation activities
that may continue to worsen under current farming practices. Irrigation or land conversion to
permanent vegetation are two options to correct this insidious problem.
The overriding natural resource concern that prompted development of this project is pollution of
the Danube river and Black Sea from water leaving Romania through groundwater lateral flow,
and runoff into tributaries. Addressing this primary concern will provide spin-off effects that will
benefit other natural resources and social concerns identified by stakeholders during our field
review.
Those expressed concerns are:
· Pollution of water caused by leakage of pollutants into the water system
· Unsuitable drinking water and associated diseases throughout much of the project
area
· Lack of fish and wildlife food and cover
· Lack of recreational opportunities for citizens and tourists
· Lack of community pride and economic stability
· Uninformed citizens concerning waste disposal technology
· Wind and water erosion in a few areas
· Deforestation and subsequent effects
· Moisture conservation on cropland
· Declining soil tilth
· Inadequate forage for current and planned increases in livestock production
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In meetings with the citizens (stakeholders) within the comunas, it was notable that they
expressed full support and gave first priority to waste management systems at the village level.
The citizenry also expressed interest in planting windbreaks, and using other buffer technology to
improve the environment in the project area. There was an expressed concern about the need for
soil improvement and sustainability of the natural resource base within the project area. Intensive
tillage over a long time period has depleted much of the organic matter in these tremendously
productive soils.
Landscape Setting
The project area is situated in the Southeastern part of Romania in Calarasi County. There are
78,876 ha, of which 69,011 are agricultural land and 44,722 ha are on the terrace area above the
Danube river. The remaining 24,289 ha are in the Boianu-Sticleanu polder (flood plain). There
are 7 comunas scattered throughout this geographical area, housing about 26,657 people most of
which are directly involved in agriculture. Agriculture is intensive, and farming is about the only
source of income.
The soils on the terrace area are gently sloping, fine textured, deep brown chernozem soils with
approximately 2 meters of soil over a layer of calcium carbonate. These soils have a very high
production potential with moisture being the limiting factor for crop production. There are some
sloping soils going into major drainage areas that still have sufficient unleached calcium
carbonate to effervesce when acid is applied. This characteristic would pose a fertility problem,
but only a small percentage of soils have this characteristic. Inherent fertility is high, but
continuous deep tillage is obviously depleting the organic matter. Moisture conservation is a
major concern and is the limiting factor in crop yields. Managing moisture from rain as well as
snow is a very important management consideration. According to farm records on the Maria
Dragomir farm (Cuza Voda comuna), significant increases in crop yields have been associated
with established windbreaks on farmland she operates. Practices installed for snow management
should be considered a very important component of this project. The other component of
moisture management is conservation tillage which will conserve moisture lost from tillage and
improve farm fuel efficiency.
Most of the fields were plowed and visible erosion may have been hidden. But sheet and rill
erosion appears to be insignificant, and very few signs of gully erosion were observed on the
production agriculture sites. However, serious erosion from runoff water is occurring on the
cultivated sloping land (mostly garden size areas) adjacent to major drainage areas. In addition,
slope failure is apparent in several areas along the bench terraced slopes installed during the late
1980's. The bankslopes on many of the canals and lakes are almost vertical and the soil is
sloughing off into the water course at most sites visited. Sediment is not considered a serious
pollutant, but chemicals attached to soil particles may contribute to the pollution problem. Wind
erosion was expressed as a problem or at least a consideration in some areas due to destruction of
trees and shrubs removed for fuel purposes. Some accumulations of windblown material was
noticed in the established windbreaks. This is probably not indicative of a high wind erosion
hazard but indicates a few severe and extraordinary storms have occurred during the past few
decades. The polder area is an artificially drained area that was originally developed for
irrigation. The soils are lighter in color and range from silt loam to sandy loam in texture. The
limitations for crop production in the polder area include salinity, acidity, and moisture
management. Irrigation and drainage systems in the polder and terrace area are potential sources
of nitrate and sewage pollution of the water draining into the Danube river. The polder area is
well suited for irrigation and much of the infrastructure is in place when irrigation is restored to
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the area. Comunas are set up on administrative boundaries and serve as a convenient way to
administer the demonstrations.
The comunas of the project area are:
1. Alexandru Odobescu
2. Ciocanesti
3. Cuza Voda
4. Gradistea
5. Independenta
6. Vālcelele
7. Vlad Tepes
The project area has three broad-basic problems that need immediate attention to begin reducing
pollution of the water system. They are:
· Pollution from livestock waste - Is a priority point source throughout the project
area. It will involve installing platforms for depositing, handling and distributing
manure supplies back to the land for soil improvement and fertilization. Platforms
and waste containers for recyclable waste will also be installed at home sites where
manure can be deposited and transferred to the comuna platforms for later
distribution. Full length corn stalks, with leaves removed, is a major source of
difficult to manage waste material. Provisions for chopping the long corn stalks, and
other waste material will be a component to this project. It is also common for
people to dump garbage in drainage and irrigation canals.
· Non-point sources of pollution - Environmentally-Friendly practices will be
demonstrated for possible adoption in the project area and other areas of Romania.
The recommended practices are agronomic in nature and can be widespread in a
relatively short time period if proven beneficial, economically advantageous, and
acceptable to the area farmers. The practices were selected based on comments,
resource concerns, and recommendations made by the farmers interviewed during the
field visits. Non-point source pollution is vague, and difficult to quantify. The
practices selected for these demonstrations will provide the latest technology, and the
best defense against non-point sources of pollution from cropland. The reforestation
projects in the polder area will have dramatic impacts on water quality, and more
land conversion and wetland enhancement work is recommended for future projects.
The impacts of these practices will be more difficult to quantify than the comuna
manure management component. However, the impacts will occur and they will be
beneficial to the environment, the farmers, and the public.
· Pollution from human waste - Not addressed by this project, but obviously an
important issue related to water pollution in the comunas.
Ecological Site Description
Climate - The Calarasi area climate is classified as typical continental climate characterized by
hot dry summers and cold winters with frequent blizzards alternating with short defrosted
intervals. Soil productivity is limited by insufficient growing season moisture. A micro-climate
exists along the Danube river floodplain characterized by even hotter summers, and warmer
winter months than expected on the plains area above the river.
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Atmospheric Circulation - The air mass is characterized by frequent incoming ocean tempered
air from the West and Northwest during the summer months and some temperate-continental air
from the Northeast and East during the winter months. Some rare occurrences of very cold air
from the arctic regions do take place, and maritime tropical air from the Southwest and South is
present at times.
Air Temperature - The air temperature generally decreases from the Southeast to the Northwest,
as a consequence of the decrease in mean global sun radiation values. Mean annual temperature
values are 11.3 C in Calarasi, and 10.4 C in Fundulea (to the NW of the area). The coldest month
is January ranging from averages of -2 C to 3.2 C depending on location. The warmest month is
July ranging from averages of 22.4C to 23.1C again depending on location. The absolute
minimum temperature was recorded in Calarasi on January 9, 1938. The average number of frost
free days ranges from 257.5 in Fundulea to 269.4 in Calarasi.
Rainfall - Average annual rainfall ranges from 510.2 mm in the Oltenita area to 504.0 mm in
Calarasi. The highest rainfall month on the average is June adding an average of 75.9 mm in
Oltenita and 72.2 mm in Calarasi. The average minimum rainfall month is February which adds
only 30.1 mm in Calarasi and 30.8 mm in Oltenita. Most of the rainfall occurs during the
summer months, and thunderstorms are frequent.
Snow - The average duration of snow cover ranges from 36.3 days in Calarasi to 40.0 days in
Fundulea. The average thickness of the snow layer has a peak value during January, of 8 - l0 cm
at county level and 9.10 cm in Calarasi.
Winds - Average annual frequency values indicate predominant winds from the West 16.4%;
Southwest 12.4 %; North 16.8%; and Northeast 13.3%. There is a slightly higher predominance
from the North, and the North winds have been recorded as significantly higher in velocity than
winds occurring from other directions.
Vegetation - Ecological conditions are somewhat uniform and this is reflected in the wildlife and
vegetation. Flora of the area is basically steppe, silvosteppe, and deciduous trees. The steppe
vegetative types cover most of the area. Islands of light colored oaks (Quercus pedunculiflora)
and tatars maple (Acer tataricum) occur between croplands and pasturelands. The silvo-steppe
type vegetation on the western portion of the area includes light colored oaks (Quercus
pedunculiflora), tatars maple (Acer tataricum), Quercus pubescens, Quercus cerris, and Quercus
frainetto. There are also areas of Quercus robur, Frazinus excelsior, various willows, elms and
poplars. Floodplain herbaceous vegetation includes plants such as Agrostis stolonifera,
Alopecuris pratensis, and Agropyron repens. Other herbaceous vegetation includes Festuca
valesiaca, Botreochloa, Andropogon, and Stipa capillata.
Soils - The soils on the terrace above the Danube river are carbon based chernozems, cambic
chernozems, and clayed chernozems all of which are dark brown to reddish in color. These soils
were formed on a loess base, with their texture being fine to medium. Alluvial soils with various
textures and stages of siltation are found within the floodplain (polder) areas of the project.
Evaluation of existing practices and constraints to adoption of improved practices.
The review team visited each of the comunas, and discussed existing conservation practices and
cultural techniques. It was agreed that the sample of sites visited would adequately represent the
project situation in regard to practices currently applied, practices needed, and constraints that
might affect adoption of new technology.
The overall objective of the project is to increase the use of environment-friendly conservation
practices. Existing practices are almost exclusively crop production oriented with very little
consideration for higher technology related to public benefits. However, there was interest
expressed in environment-friendly practices during all field visits. The field review indicated
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several additional conservation practices can be recommended and field tested to address the
expressed resource concerns.
Practices currently being applied are cultural practices characteristic of farmers who keep
themselves informed concerning agronomic principles, but lack financial resources to invest in
environment-friendly practices that have mutual public benefits. Practices currently being
applied include:
1. Crop Rotations - consisting of wheat, soybeans, corn, and sunflower are crops
traditionally produced in the local area. They are grown in various rotations to break
disease cycles, and for other cultural reasons. Very few farmers manage a grass based
rotation. Research at the RICIC research center located at Fundulea report a
favorable yield response from grass based crop rotations, and with fewer inputs. This
would be a very beneficial practice. In many areas the fields are so small that
converting part of the small area to grass might be impractical. However, in most
areas of the project no particular objections to high level crop rotations was expressed
and due to current interest in increasing livestock there appears to be potential for
increasing forage crops including grasses for inclusion in crop rotations. Ion Toncea,
team member with RICIC, has a lot of experience with this practice and has an
ongoing project to research the concept.
2. Rough Tillage - is applied with the traditional moldboard plow during the fall to
create a cloddy surface. The large clods help reduce erosion, and capture winter
moisture. The soils apparently receive intensive tillage for weed control and seedbed
preparation. Higher level tillage systems are needed to increase organic matter in the
surface area of the soil. On the upland areas there was no evidence of damage from
erosion, and it can be assumed, with some confidence, that erosion rates are within
the range of 5 to 10 tons per acre. This is generally considered sustainable for deep
soils. However, there is clear evidence that soil tilth needs improvement. Clods and
crusts are troublesome at planting time. The only way to significantly increase soil
organic matter and subsequently improve soil tilth is to perform tillage operations
designed and timed to leave crop residue on or near the soil surface consistently for
many years. A long term objective for agriculture in Romania should be the
elimination of the moldboard plow. Excessive tillage, particularly moldboard
plowing, causes rapid loss of organic material needed for humus formation, and
accumulation. There are constraints to immediate adoption of conservation tillage.
However, the many of the farmers are familiar with the practice, but do not believe it
is feasible under current economic conditions. If funds are made available to provide
tillage tools for a proper long-term demonstration of reduced tillage, a gradual
increase should occur over a ten to twenty year time period. This would represent the
normal adoption of new agriculture technology.
Environmental-friendly Practices
There are approximately 40 environment-friendly conservation practices used on cropland in
various locations to help solve natural resource problems. With the exception of conservation
tillage, practices that are expensive to install and maintain are not considered candidate practices
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for this project. This portion of the report will discuss a comprehensive list of candidate
practices followed by a short list of selected practices determined to be acceptable to most of the
farmers in the project area. Several systems of practices should be developed and made available
to the decision makers during the term of the project.
Candidate Practices
1. Conservation Tillage is any tillage system that leaves about 1/3 of the soil covered
after the crop is planted. To accomplish this objective only very limited tillage can
be performed. Several residue management techniques are necessary to apply this
practice. Straw spreaders must be attached to the combines or any accumulations of
straw must be evenly distributed to allow proper operation of the planter.
Conventional corn planters can often be converted for conservation tillage by
installing coulters (disk blades) that run ahead of the seed placement part of the
planter. The more sophisticated planters plant the seed, apply starter fertilizer and
pesticides in one operation.
2. Agro-forestry is combining tree production with other crops on the same land at the
same time. Between rows of trees, food crops, forage crops, vineyards, fruits and a
number of specialty crops may be grown and harvested. This is a relatively new
concept that is becoming accepted as a cost effective way to produce income from
land partially devoted to tree production. Agro-forestry can also be used to reduce
the effects of soil salinity, by growing trees tolerant to high salinity.
3. Windbreaks/Shelterbelts are rows of trees and/or shrubs planted for the purpose of
reducing wind erosion, protect field crops, shelter livestock, provide food and cover
for wildlife, and protection of farm buildings from harsh weather.
4. Hedgerows are shrubs planted along field edges (usually a single row) to provide
environmental benefits such as protection from wind erosion, crop protection from
wind damage, habitat for beneficial insects when integrated pest management is
being applied, and food and cover for wildlife.
5. Narrow Vegetative Barriers are rows of stiff-upright-tall grass (about 1 meter wide)
that provide benefits similar to windbreaks. They are very easy and inexpensive to
install and become effective within the first year. They may be installed on the
contour to help control small gullies, and reduce sheet and rill erosion. They may
also be used in conjunction with other practices such as filter strips to prevent
excessive amounts of sediments from entering the filter strip area. In this project area
their primary purpose would be to trap winter snow for moisture management
purposes.
6. Contour Buffer Strips are grass strips established on the contour to reduce runoff
velocities and help control sheet and rill erosion. They are usually 5 to 10 meters
wide and installed at 10 to 20 meters spacing down the slope on cropland fields.
7. Riparian Area Buffers are rows of trees, shrubs, and grass planted along the water
edges to provide filtration, sequestration of nutrients, and increase opportunities for
decomposition of pesticides and other potential pollutants.
8. Filter Strips are strips of perennial grass established along the lower portion of a
field to filter out potential pollutants.
9. Field Borders are strips of perennial grass established around the borders of
cropland fields to provide protection from water leaving and entering a field as well
as to serve as a filter for potential pollutants.
10. Grassed Waterways are designed, shaped, and established in perennial vegetation
for the purpose of transporting concentrated runoff water at a non-erosive velocity.
7
11. Field Terraces are earthen structures constructed on the contour at designed intervals
down the slope to reduce runoff and erosion. The terraces provide control of the
water, slow the water and allow more time for infiltration.
12. Diversions are earthen structures designed to control runoff water, and reduce
overland flow and subsequent erosion expected to occur below the structure.
13. Nutrient Management is utilizing available plant nutrients by developing and
following a nutrient budget designed to prescribe correct field applications.
14. Pest Management is using pesticides only when necessary after considering more
environmentally acceptable alternatives for pest control.
15. Crop Rotation is following a planned rotation of crops designed to improve soil
quality, break pest cycles, and satisfy other crop production requirements.
16. Grasses and Legumes in Rotation is a crop rotation that includes grasses and/or
legumes in the rotation to increase organic matter content, break pest cycles, and
satisfy other crop production requirements.
17. Wellhead Protection is designing and installing structures to reduce the risk of
pollutants entering the water system at or near the wellhead. The structures, for this
project, would generally consist of a concrete or asphalt apron that prevents water
accumulation around the wellhead.
18. Wetland Restoration is restoring the wetland characteristics of a site. It usually
requires engineering structures that restrict drainage and cause accumulation of water
and subsequent wetland plant growth.
The Selected Practices For Field Testing and Demonstration
The practices included in this section of the report were extracted from the above list of candidate
practices for the following reasons:
· Cost effectiveness/low-input - cost benefits are very favorable
· Has the effect of buffering for water quality purposes
· Time proven technology/functionality - the practices have proven to work
· Technology is readily transferable - training material is currently available upon
request from USDA.
· Aesthetic appeal - trees and shrubs are pleasing to the eye and functional.
· The practices have positive social effects
· Ease of installation using farm labor and inexpensive material - these practices can
be applied by the farmers with tools readily available
· No adverse environmental effects - the practices are environment-friendly
· Acceptable to the farmers interviewed - field interviews indicate the farmers will
apply the practices
· Effective as a stand-alone practice if necessary - most of the practices are effective
even if installed as a single practice
The practices will function as stand-alone practices but field application has proven the benefits
of applying systems of practices that benefit each other in synergistic ways.
1. Conservation Tillage
2. Shelterbelts/Windbreaks
3. Hedge Rows
4. Narrow Vegetative Barriers
5. Filter Strips
6. Riparian Buffers
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7. Nutrient Management
8. Wellhead Protection
9. Agro-forestry
10. Tree Planting
11. Land Reclamation
12. Grazing Management
Criteria for selecting sites for T/D program
The sites selected for the testing and demonstrating (T/D) the practices were chosen for the
following reasons:
· Site adaptation for the specific practice - Each practice has specific soil and site
requirements for proper testing and demonstration. However, most of the practices
chosen for demonstration are adapted to almost any location within the project area.
Site selection was, therefore, based more on geographic and strategic locations than
soil and site characteristics. For monitoring activities, it was determined to be
advantageous to locate practices is in close proximity to each other.
· Enthusiasm expressed by comuna representatives - It is imperative that practices
be located on sites where stakeholders are ready, willing, and able to apply and
manage the conservation practice. The field review indicated a lot of enthusiasm
exists for testing and demonstrating the practices.
· Technical abilities of the stakeholder - Most of the practices will require training to
assure the practice is planned, applied, and managed to assure project objectives are
met. Practices range from low-tech to very high-tech and care must be taken to
assure the proper people are selected to apply and manage the practices.
· Logistics for public display and monitoring activities - It is important to locate the
practices where people can see them and visit the sites efficiently. It is also
advantageous to locate many of the sites in a central location to improve efficiency
during the monitoring phase of the project.
First Year Program Activities
The following is the first year (2001) practice recommendations, and rational for selection. Each
individual project will require a detailed plan of work prepared by participants specifying each
individual necessary task, the person responsible, and the deadline date for successful completing
of each step.
1. Tree Planting (Project No. tp-001) - I propose this project as the first tree planting
demonstration. It will be installed on the bench terraced area near Vlad Tepes comuna. A
tree planter needs to be purchased and delivered by October 1, 2001. Planting should be
completed during the fall of 2001. (Rotaru indicated plant seedlings will be available)
2. Shrub Rows (Project No. sr-001) - I propose this project on Cuza Voda comuna with the
Total Chim Commercial Society as the practice stockholder. Maria Dragomir is the General
Manager of this farm organization. The shrubs will be established in the area between two
existing tree windbreaks.
3. Narrow Vegetative Barriers (Project No. vb-001) - I propose this project on the same
comuna and same general location as the shrub rows. This will provide a good comparison of
the practices and be a decision tool for area farmers who observe performance of the
practices. It will also enhance credibility of yield data collected by the farmer.
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The Projected 3 to 5 Year Program/Schedule
Conservation Practice T/D - Year 2001 2005*
Practice
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Conservation Tillage
Ct-001
Ct-002
Shrub Rows
Sr-001
Sr-002
N.Vegetative
Barriers
Vb-001
Agro-forestry Af-001
Af-002
Riparian Buffers
Rb-001
Rb-002 Rb-
Rb-004
003
Rb-005
Land Reclamation
Lr-001
Wellhead Protection
Wp-001
Grazing Management
Gm-001
* Practice application schedules will need to be reaffirmed following site planning activities with
local farmers and community leaders. The above application schedule is based on discussions
and tentative plans for project planning purposes.
Individual Project Descriptions
Demo.
Narrative Descriptions of Demo. Projects
I.D. no's
Ct-001
This demonstration will be conducted as part of a total system on the Maria
Dragomir farm in the Cuza Voda comuna. The project will provide a high tech
tillage implement, attachments to make existing planted suitable for minimum tillage,
and a high residue drill necessary for drilling cereal crops in high residue situations.
The project will also provide a significant portion of the chemical inputs for the first
two years. Training is also part of the project proposal and up to ten participants can
be identified for a study tour hosted by USDA or a university located within the corn
belt area of the United States.
Ct-002
An option for the polder
Sr-001
Shrub row planting included in this demonstration will utilize existing windbreak and
enhance the effects for snow management and wildlife conservation. It will also be
part of the total system on the Maria Dragomir farm.
Sr-002
Shrub rows will be planted on the organic vegetable farm. This project will
demonstrate how vegetation can alter micro-environment to increase production and
overall environmental quality.
Vb-001
Narrow vegetative barriers will be installed as part of the total system on the Maria
Dragomir farm and the Vlad Tepes comuna. The barriers will be established to
demonstrate how grass strips can trap snow and increase available moisture between
the strips.
These strips will be established within fields with existing tree windbreaks as part of
the total system including conservation tillage. The strips should be established to an
adapted tall growing perennial species.
Af-001
Tree planting for fuel wood will be established on the bench terraced area south of
Vlad Tepes. It will involve about 40 hectares. Fencing for livestock exclusion should
be demonstrated on this area to protect the trees for sustained use by the Vlad Tepes
comuna.
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Af-002
Tree planting for fuel wood will be established on the bench terraced area near
Alexandru Odobescu. It will involve about 100 hectares. Fencing for livestock
exclusion should be demonstrated on this area to protect the trees for sustained use
by the comuna.
Rb-001
Riparian Buffer installed in the Mircea Voda comuna, in the polder area to improve
water quality. Information contained in the USDA job sheet will be used for
specifications.
Rb-002
Tree planting to restore natural plant cover will be the objective of this field trial on
the polder area of the Ciocanesti comuna. This practice will help reduce pollutants in
Romanian water draining into the Danube river. The project will result in about 678
hectares of low quality cropland converted to native tree species. Information
contained in the USDA job sheet will be used for specifications.
Rb-003
Tree planting to restore natural plant cover will be the objective of this field trial on
the polder area of the Ciocanesti comuna. This practice will help reduce pollutants in
Romanian water draining into the Danube river. The project will result in about 162
hectares cropland converted to native tree species along a large canal. Information
contained in the USDA job sheet will be used for specifications.
Rb-004
Tree and shrub planting approx. 100 ha. of bench terraced land in the Gradistea
comuna. Information contained in the USDA job sheet will be used for
specifications.
Rb-005
Tree and shrub planting on approx. 20 ha; the purpose will be bank stabilization and
buffering for water quality around the perimeter of Galatui Lake in the Gradistea
comuna. Information contained in the USDA job sheet will be used for
specifications.
Lr-001
A specific location will be specified to demonstrate land reclamation of the current
manure platform areas. Land reclamation is need to reduce pollution from water
runoff and deep percolation of polluted water. The land should be cleaned of
garbage, shaped and vegetated to restore aesthetics, provide fuel wood, grazing,
wildlife food and cover, and possibly recreation areas for the public benefit.
Wp-001 Well head protection is needed for many wells in the 7 comunas. An inventory will
be conducted by the local people and unprotected wellheads will be improved to
drain water away from the wellheads. The project will provide material and local
people will install the improvements.
Gm-001 Grazing management needs improvement. This project will demonstrate how
rotation grazing can improve grass production. The wheat grazing component will
demonstrate how grazing wheat in the fall and early winter can add another source of
forage.
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Project Cost Tables
Cost Statement for Developing/Translating Training Material in Romanian
The training material and job sheets are available in English language. Translation to Romanian
with some local pictures will be completed in the early stages to assure training is completed
before beginning the physical practice implementation. For efficient translation, the technical
material can be provided electronically upon request from USDA/ Natural Resources Conservation
Service. Translation, printing, dividers, and binders will cost an estimated $10,000.00 for 50 copies
of the workbook and 300 copies each of the 10 job sheets.
Cost table for Tree Plants needed for Buffer Practice Demonstrations
Component unit
unit
cost
2001 2002 2003
2004 2005 2006
Tree planters 2 each
$6000
$12000
Cost Distribution Table for Establishing Trees/Shrubs (Per Hectare)
Plant Cost
Seed bed
Techni
Tractor
Care
Vehicle
Misc.
Totals
(includes
Preparati
cal
Cost
after
Cost
supplies
planting
on
Assista
Planting
operation)
nce for
(3 years)
plannin
g
$700.00 $30.00 $50.00 $35.00 $150.00 $20.00 $15.00 $1000.00
per
hectare
Cost Table For Conservation Tillage Demonstration CT-001
component
unit
unit cost
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Mulch
one unit
$12,000
$12,000
tillage
for 65 hp
implement
tractor
field sprayer field
$10,000
$10,000
sprayer
High residue coulter
$15,000
$15,000
drill
drill
planter
coulters to
$250
$1500
coulters and be added
tool bar
to existing
(6 ea)
planter
6 each
fertilizer and misc.
$40.00
$800 $800
$800
$800
$800
herbicides
inputs
Farmer
Farmer
Farmer
for 20 ha
assumed
assumed
assumed
#1Training
Study tour
$4000 per
$24000
component
for 6
person
#2 Training
Training
$100 per
$10,000
component
100
person
farmers
Totals for conservation tillage
$34000
$39,300 $800
$800
$800 $800
This demonstration will evaluate a total system including conservation tillage, windbreaks, and shrub rows on the
same field for ultimate moisture management and efficiency in fuel usage. Within the timeframe of the project
noticeable soil improvement will be observed and the trend in soil quality will be upward. Close supervision and
management is recommended for this project.
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Cost Table For Conservation Tillage Demonstration CT-002
component
unit unit
cost
2001 2002 2003
2004 2005 2006
Mulch
one unit
$12,000
$12,000
tillage
for 65 hp
implement
tractor
field sprayer field
$10,000
$10,000
sprayer
High residue coulter
$15,000
$15,000
drill
drill
planter
coulters to
$250
$1500
coulters and be added
tool bar to existing
(6 ea)
planter
6 each
fertilizer and misc.
$40.00
$800
$800 $800
$800
$800
herbicides
inputs
Farmer
Farmer
Farmer
for 20 ha
assumed
assumed assumed
#1Training
Study tour
$4000
$24000
component
for 6
per
person
#2 Training
Training
$100 per
$10,000
component
100
person
farmers
Totals for conservation tillage
$34000
$39,300 $800 $800
$800 $800
This demonstration will located in the polder area to evaluate and demonstrate soil improvement,
moisture management and efficiency in fuel usage. Within the timeframe of the project noticeable soil
improvement will be observed and the trend in soil quality will be upward. Close supervision and
management is recommended for this project. The specific location has not been determined, but several
excellent choices are available.
Cost Table for Shrub Row Demonstration
Component
unit
unit cost
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Sr--001
2 ha
$1000
$2000
Seedbed
preparation,
plants and
planting
Training 50 $100
$5000
totals for sr-001
$7000
This project will be implemented within the Cuza Voda comuna, on the farm of Maria Dragomir, Director of the
Total Chim Co . This project will evaluate the effects of windbreaks and shrub rows on the same field.
Sr--002
2 ha
$1000
$2000
Seedbed
preparation,
plants and
planting
Training 50 $100
$5000
totals for sr-002
$2000
This project will be implemented within the selected areas on the organic vegetable farm.
Cost table for Grazing Management Demonstration Gm-001
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Component unit
unit
cost
2001 2002 2003
2004 2005 2006
Interseeding
50 ha
$15.00
$750.00
legumes
Fencing -
2000
$0.50
$1000
electric
meters
Cost Table for wellhead protection Wp-001
Component
unit
unit cost
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Inventory 7
7 $500
$3500
comunas
Install
14 $200
$2800
concrete
drainage
aprons
Cost Table for Land Reclamation Lr-001
Component
unit
unit cost
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Surface
2 ha
$1500
$3000
shaping and
garbage
removal
Tree Planting 2
ha
$1000
$3000
(plants,
seedbed,
planting,
managing)
Cost table for Agro-forestry Demonstration (Af-001,002)
Component unit unit
cost
2001 2002 2003
2004 2005 2006
Tree planter Tree
$5000 $5000
Planter
Seedbed
50 ha
$1000
$25000 $25000
Prep, Plants
per ha
(25 ha)
(25 ha)
and planting
tp-001
Fencing for
2000
$3.00 $6000
livestock
meters
per
exclusion
meter
tp-001
Training 100
$100 $10000
people
totals for Af-001
$21000 $25000 $25000
Notes: This agro-forestry demonstration will be on the bench terraced area near Vlad Tepes comuna. It will
provide a buffer near the lake and a sustained supply of fuel wood.
Seedbed
100 ha
$1000
$100000
prep. plants
Alexandru
per ha
and planting Odobescu
for Af-002
Fencing for
2000
$3.00
$6000
livestock
meters
per
exclusion
meter
Af-002
Training 100
$100
$10000
people
14
Totals for Af-002
$6000
$10000
$100000
Notes: This demonstration will be agro-forestry on a benched terraced area near the Alexandru Odobescu
comuna. It will be used to protect the canal and provide a sustained supply of fuel wood
Cost Tables for Riparian Buffers
Component Unit
Unit
2001 2002
2003 2004
2005 2006
cost
Seedbed prep.
150 ha
$1000 $150000
plants and
Mircea
per ha
planting for
Voda
Rb-001
Training 100
people
$100
$10000
Totals for Rb-001
$150000
Notes:
Seedbed prep.
678 ha
$1000
$678000
plants and
Ciocanesti
per ha
planting for
Rb-002
Training 100
people
$100
$10000
Totals for Rb-002
$10000
$678000
Seedbed prep.
162 ha
$1000
$162000
plants and
Ciocanesti
per ha
planting for
Rb-003
Training 100
people
$100
$10000
Totals for Rb-003
$10000
$162000
Seedbed prep.
100 ha
$1000
$100000
plants and
Gradistea
per ha
planting for
Rb-004
Training 100
people
$100
$10000
Totals for Rb-004
$10000
$100000
Seedbed prep.
20 ha
$1000
$20000
plants and
Gradistea
per ha
planting for
Rb-005
Training 100
people
$100
$10000
Totals for Rb-005
$20000
Notes: This demonstration will be a riparian area surrounding lake Galatui
15
Performance Indicators to Evaluate Impact on Productivity and the Environment
Measuring the environmental impacts of agronomic land treatment practices requires a long term
evaluation. Reduction in soil erosions is a visible impact and easily documented. Impacts that
occur beneath the soil surface are insidious and require very precise data collection.
Practice/system
Project I.D.
Performance Indicators
Total System
Ct-001,Sr-
The practices included in the total system will have
Demonstration. This
001, Vb-001 additive benefits a multitude of performance indicators.
will include
(combined to Soil improvement will be significant within 5 years.
conservation tillage,
work as a
Crop yields can be documented as soon as the vegetative
Windbreaks, Shrub
system)
strips are effective. Wildlife food and cover will
Row planting, Narrow
increase significantly and a more diverse animal
Vegetative Barriers,
inventory should be documentable within a few years.
and crop rotation.
Earthworms and other soil organisms are depleted in the
This will demonstrate
soil and changes in this soil parameter will be
a sustainable system.
significant. Any runoff water will be significantly
cleaner, and groundwater quality may improve if it is
currently polluted.
Conservation Tillage Ct-001
Conservation tillage should be evaluated based on soil
(functions as a buffer)
quality improvement due primarily to increased amounts
of organic matter at or near the soil surface. It is critical
to evaluate the surface rather than the entire plow layer.
Other indicators will include measuring soil crust
strength or describing crusts at initiation of the practice
and each spring afterward. Soil aggregate stability is an
indicator of the effects of tillage. Laboratory procedures
are available for the simple field test necessary to
measure this parameter.
Shelterbelts/
Not yet
Shelterbelts and windbreaks should result in increased
Windbreaks
planned
yield by modifying the micro-climate and improving
moisture management. Wildlife habitat will be
(functions as a
enhanced and measurable changes should be the result
buffer)
when the practice is widespread over the landscape.
Shrub Rows
Sr-001
Shrub rows will provide the same impacts as windbreaks
(functions as a buffer)
but possibly to a smaller degree.
Filter Strips
Not yet
Will provide improved water quality provided by the
(functions as a buffer) planned
filtering action and increased opportunity time for
decomposition, denitrification and other chemical
processes that cleanse the water intercepted by the strips
of vegetation
Riparian Buffers
Rb-001,
Riparian buffers provide the same function as natural
002,003,
riparian areas. The filter the surface flow as well as the
004,005
lateral spring flow and tie up potential pollutants. The
pollutants may be harvested in biomass removed from
the site or stored in the organic form within the biomass.
They also provide an opportunity for bacterial action to
decompose harmful compounds back into elements.
Wellhead Protection
Wp-001
The effects of wellhead protection would be difficult to
16
measure due to more significant waste management
problems associated with contaminated well water
within the communities. A narrative description of the
before and after situation would adequately describe the
effects of this practice.
Agro-forestry Applies
to
Agro-forestry will provide measurable benefits to both
Tree
surface and subsurface water. There will be wildlife
Planting
benefits, and economic benefits by increasing diversity
and taking advantage of synergistic effects of this
practice. The practice will also provide the possibility
for a sustained supply of fuel wood for the comunas.
The effect on wildlife habitat food and cover are
measurable effects that can be described.
Tree Planting (serves Tp-001
Trees provide many measurable benefits. Water quality
as a component to
measurements should reflect these benefits within 3-5
several buffer
years following establishment. The effects will be
practices including
reflected in both surface and ground water. Other
agro-forestry
benefits will include improved wildlife habitat, and
improved recreation opportunities for people.
Grazing Management
gm-001
Grazing management can be evaluated by clipping
studies that compare management techniques. A
narrative description comparing managed verses non
managed pastures would probably be sufficient due to
lack of technical expertise in this discipline. Runoff
studies can also provide and indication of the effects of
applying improved grazing management.
Land Reclamation
Lr001
Reclaiming the old manure platforms for crop
production should provide measurable benefits in
cleaner surface runoff as well as improved ground water
quality.
Organization Requirements for Managing the Projects
17
Managing the planning, application, and maintenance of the demonstrations is critical to
success. Responsibility for the entire demonstration project must be assigned. In addition,
the correct technical personnel must be assigned to specific projects. Each project leader
must prepare a plan of work specifying the following:
1. Specific Project Assigned
2. Person with responsibility
3. Specify each step needed for completion
4. Specify a precise date for completion of the step
Follow-up Assistance
I agree to provide the following information upon return to my official duty station:
1. Information on planning, specifications, and installing quality livestock fencing for
exclusion of grazing on the Vlad Tepes reforestation project.
2. Plant material information concerning Afghan Pine (Pinus elderica) and other species
that may be adapted to project site conditions. I will inquire about plant material
availability from a private nursery about the possibility of providing a supply of seed
or seedlings for testing. I agreed to provide information directly to Rotaru
Constantin. Getting plant material into Romania might be easier going that route.
3. Information on tillage equipment necessary to solicit bids for necessary machinery
for the Cuza Voda total system project. With this project we have an excellent
opportunity to demonstrate a total conservation plan to area farmers. The equipment
is absolutely necessary to implement a sustained demonstration and the investment is
small for the potential returns.
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