Building water monitoring infrastructure at Mann Valley Farm

    PI: Bahareh Hassanpour

    Hassanpour is an assistant professor in plant and earth science at UW–River Falls. Her research interests include remediation of non-point source pollution, water quality, nutrient cycling, and the fate and transport of contaminants. Her position is funded by the Dairy Innovation Hub.

    Mann Valley Farm is taking an important step toward protecting water quality by installing specialized monitoring equipment to study runoff and groundwater contamination. This project is expected to establish 12 test plots equipped with tools to track soil moisture, water movement, and chemical loss, helping researchers understand how different farming practices affect water resources. The data gathered will advance research on pollutants like neonicotinoids and support future funding opportunities to expand these studies. Students will gain hands-on experience by assisting with installation, monitoring, and data collection, integrating real-world environmental research into their coursework. By building this infrastructure, Mann Valley Farm enhances its role in sustainable agriculture, benefiting both research and education while supporting the Dairy Innovation Hub’s dedication to land and water stewardship.

    Jill Coleman Wasik