The Effectiveness of Agricultural Best Management Practices for Runoff Management in the Red River Basin of Minnesota - Technical Paper No. 3

The purpose <?f this working paper is to discuss the effectiveness of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) for runoff management in the Red River Basin of Minnesota. Many BMPs, both structural and non-structural, are used for runoff management and erosion control (Appendix). Emphasis here, however, will be given to non-structural BMPs used primarily to control wind erosion, but which also enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. Brief mention will also be given to BMPs that control snow deposition and to a new program that utilizes easements for flood storage. The effect of BMPs on runoff curve numbers will also be examined. This paper \\vill also address the extent of application of certain BMPs and identify issues limiting their application .