Research Data Collection Methods: 

Pesticide Application
     Pesticide application data is collected from all 24 landowners.  Application data is also collected from local weed control programs and the Canadian National Railway within the South Tobacco Creek watershed by Bill Turner, Deerwood Technician.  This information is confidentially stored within an ARCINFO Geographic Information System (GIS) database managed by the Deerwood Soil and Water Management Association, with technical support from Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Winnipeg. 

Herbicide Application Levels

     During the 1993 and 1994 field seasons, detailed analysis was carried out for 16 "major use" herbicide products.  Of the 16 herbicides analyzed, nine active ingredients were involved. 
 

Comparing Herbicide Application Levels for 9 products: 1993 and 1994
*Data was queried from the GIS landuse database.

Herbicide Type	Year 1993 (kg applied)	1994 (kg applied)
Trifluralin	353	709
MCPA	710	513
2,4-D	617	399
Bromoxynil	266	295
Dichlorprop	376	312
Diclofop methyl	0	22
Ethalfluralin	24	304
Dicamba	53	28
Atrazine	0	0

       Chemical Analysis within this small praire watershed is focused for the most part on 4 pesticides, 3 phenoxy-herbicides (2,4-D, dichlorprop, and  MCPA)  and one phenolic herbicide (bromoxynil). 

     Pesticides Applications are tracked through application of GIS technology and the South Tobacco Creek Landuse database. 

(Click to see a map compiled from layers of collected information. 32K jpg)
 

(Click to see a map compiled from layers of collected information.)

     Herbicide monitoring occurs near the upper reaches of the STC watershed at the Twin Watersheds and is ultimately compared to research results further downstream within the South Tobacco Creek. Below is a map that shows the location of the sampling sites in the South Tobacco Creek Watershed.
 

The Twin Watershed: Major Research Site in the South Tobacco (this a clickable picture)

    Surface Runoff Water monitoring and sampling begins at the Twin Watershed Site, and continues at several points in the creek further downstream.   Water Samples are collected during the spring snow melt and after heavy rainfall events using 20 litre stainless steel containers.  Deerwood technician Bill Turner and the participating landowner Dale Steppler assist by performing regular sampling and monitoring.
 
 

Dale Steppler takes a 'grab sample' at the Twin Watershed site.

Below is a shot of the water sampler at the sampling site.

Air Sampling occurs near the Twin Watershed site for a 24 hour period on a six day cycle throughout the field season.  A high volume sampler uses a filter to trap particulate matter while semi-volatile chemicals are collected with the use of a polyethylene foam plug. 
 

Air sampler (left) and precipitation sampler (right) near the Twin Watershed site.

     Dryfall Sampling occurs at the same site.  This sampler is designed to remain open during dry periods, closing at the first appearance of precipitation (exactly opposite to the precipitation sampler).  Dry deposition is collected throughout the field season. 

     Creek Water samples are collected at Miami for pesticide analysis in 20 litre stainless steel cans using a submersible pump.  A regular sampling is performed at the Miami station throughout the open water season, as long as water is flowing within this ephemeral or intermittent waterway. This sampling method has continued throughout the 4 year study.
 
 

The Miami Station

Grab samples are also taken at Highway 240. 
 
 
 

Below at the Highway 240 station is a stand pipe (often referred to as a wet well) and water sampler.  Here Bill and Dale are attending the station.