Reyansh Pasupuleti

Impact of farmer pesticide use on soil and water health in Burlington County, NJ

Started May 30, 2024

Abstract or project description

Rey is interested in working directly with farmers in his area to understand how their activities impact local soil and water health. He is leveraging his community connections to collect soil samples on farms nearby that he will send into Rutgers lab for analysis of soil health. He will also conduct targeted water quality assessments on the creek that the farms connect to using pH and nutrient kits as well as assessing macro invertebrates in the field. He plans to pair his own sampling with existing data from sources like GIS and USGS. This research will shed light on how well local farmers are considering sustainability and conservation-minded practices on their land, and present opportunities to improve that. For the farmers he is working with, this research can help affirm their current practices as well as point to areas for improvement.