Poster Number 12
See more from this Division: Z00 Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences (SASES)
See more from this Session: SASES National Student Club Poster Contest
Abstract:
B. Allen, L. Bruce, and Z. McIntyre1
1Fort Hays State University, 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601 bjallen@scatcat.fhsu.edu, lmbruce@scatcat.fhsu.edu & zgmcintyre@scatcat.fhsu.edu
Students learn and comprehend subject matter in a variety of ways, but most students would agree that the way they truly retain information is if it involves “hands-on” experience. Members from the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Agronomy Club helped collect, interpret and present water data from an on-going water quality 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; 3) understand how to measure water quality and the importance of water quality; and 4) interpret water quality measurements.
Members of the club went out bi-weekly and during rain events (> 50”) collecting water samples from sites in the city of Hays, KS and in rural areas along Big Creek recording the following information: water pH, salinity, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen (amount and saturation), depth of water flow and rate of water flow. They then helped determine total suspended solids (soil sediment –
Agronomy Club members agreed that service-learning was an effective activity and provided a more interesting learning environment. They felt that they were collecting valuable information and that their efforts would help improve the environment.
See more from this Division: Z00 Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences (SASES)
See more from this Session: SASES National Student Club Poster Contest