Service-Learning: Investigating Non-Point Source Water Pollution from Urban and Rural Area.

Students learn and comprehend subject matter in a variety of ways, but most scholars would agree that the majority of those students truly retain the information if it involves “hands-on” experience.  Students from a capstone course (Agronomic Crop Production) helped collect, interpret and present water data from an on-going research project.   The project allowed students to: 1) study the effects of tillage practices and crop residue as it relates to soil erosion, runoff and sedimentation; 2) study the effects of runoff from urban areas as it relates to water pollution in contrast to rural runoff; 3) understand how to measure water quality and the importance of water quality; and 4) interpret water quality measurements.
The capstone course is designed to tie together many things students learn from various courses and gives them the big picture of how it all fits together.  Incorporating a service-learning project helps them understand production principles, but it also makes them more aware of problems from rural areas.  Results of the study indicate that there are potential water quality issues from farming operations, but that there may be even more critical problems coming from urban areas.  Students presented the findings at a Home & Garden Show and discussed the results with the public.  They investigated various ways they could help educate the public about water quality and show them that not just farmers affect their drinking water.  Students agreed that service-learning was an effective activity and promoted a more enthusiastic learning environment.