In recent years, the growth of corporate agriculture has resulted in an increase
in the number and size of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These
are used for poultry, cattle, and swine production. Leaching of manures in geologically
sensitive areas may pose a threat to ground water by bacterial and chemical
(nitrate) contamination.
A number of research projects are proposed or underway to study the environmental
effects of CAFOs in Indiana. For more information, contact the Indiana
Department of Environmental Management, Office of Water Quality.
The Indiana Geological Survey conducted a project titled Analysis
of Nitrate in Ground Water in Jackson County, Indiana to measure and differentiate
the effects of fertilizers and CAFOs.
