The physical properties of your site can have direct impacts to both surface and ground water. Key physical features that you need to be aware of are: soil type, bedrock and other subsurface material, depth to ground water, slope, and proximity to surface waters. Knowing these features and adjusting your management to fit them will help you lower your risk and protect your resources.
The goal of Farm*A*Syst is to help you protect and enhance your natural resources.
How will this worksheet help me protect my natural resources?
As part of this site assessment, you should sketch a detail map of your farmstead that identifies such items as: location of wells, septic drain fields, manure storage, direction of ground water flow, surface water, buildings and other activities that may impact your farming operation. You should also develop a broad based map of the whole farm operation that identifies such items as: surface water bodies, abandoned wells, quarries or otehr mining operations, and sink holes.
This evaluation is a composit of a more detailed site evaluation process available through most state Farm*A*Syst programs. It is designed to create an awareness of basic physical features that impact your resources. To get assistance in filling out the worksheet or to get the more detailed evaluation worksheet, contact your local Extension Service Office, Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, or Conservation District Office. Other good sources of information include: your local Geological Survey Office and your local well driller.
July 24, 1998
Dennis Hoffman, Project Leader
Steve Dagitz, Webmaster