Kansas State University researchers are taking a closer look at how groundwater quality could shape the future of agriculture in south-central Kansas.
The research focuses on the Equus Beds aquifer near Wichita, a key water source for communities, industry and irrigated agriculture. In areas near Burrton, a chloride plume has raised concerns about how water quality may affect long-term use and decision-making for producers.
Micah Cameron-Harp, assistant professor of agricultural economics, is studying how elevated chloride levels could influence irrigation practices, crop choices and farm profitability in Groundwater Management District No. 2 near Burrton.
Understanding the plume and what’s in the water
Cameron-Harp’s research draws on plume modeling developed by Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and pairs it with agricultural water-use data to examine potential impacts on irrigation and production. A chloride plume is a spreading body of groundwater containing high concentrations of dissolved chloride…