Fertilizers are known to contaminate ground water in many parts of Indiana.
A report is available from the Indiana Farm Bureau (Wallrabenstein, L. K., Richards,
R. P., Baker, D. B., and Barnett, J. D., 1994, Nitrate and Pesticides in Private
Wells of Indiana, Part 1 [State Summary, 38 p.] and Part 2 [County Summaries,
442 p.]).
For more information on the occurrences and effects of pesticides in ground
water, contact the Office
of the Indiana State Chemist, Indiana Pesticide State Management Plan.
It may be possible to ameliorate problems caused by fertilizers and pesticides through implementation of "best management practices" (BMPs). The timing, application methods, and application rates of various agricultural chemicals can be altered and refined to lessen their environmental impacts without adversely affecting productivity. More information about BMPs can be obtained from Purdue University, Agronomy Extension, and the National Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Programs.