"What decade are we measuring? Improved understanding of groundwater age and nitrate trends in southeast Minnesota’s karst region"

Presented by Kevin Kuehner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

About the speaker: Kevin Kuehner is a hydrologist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, based in Preston, Minnesota. His work focuses on addressing the challenges posed by agricultural contaminants in surface water and groundwater, particularly in southeast Minnesota's karst region. This area is known for its complex geology, which makes understanding groundwater pathways and water quality improvements a significant challenge.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, Kevin will share results of a recent study that quantified groundwater residence time or “age”, which is crucial for interpreting nitrate concentrations and trends in various water sources like springs, streams, and drinking water wells. His efforts also extend to fostering partnerships with farmers and stakeholders and he will share examples that are helping advance clean water activities in the region.

Kevin has degrees in water resources management and soil science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and has over 25 years of experience leading and managing collaborative water quality projects.

About the lecture series: The William E. Larson and Raymond R. Allmaras Emerging Issues in Soil and Water Lecture Series is made possible by the generous support of the Larson and Allmaras families, friends, and donors.

Among the principal concerns for the 21st century are food security, global sustainability of natural resources, and healthy environment. Soil and water sciences play a critical role in addressing these concerns. This lecture series provides a forum to explore emerging issues, to inspire creative thinking, and to recognize excellence in the broad area of agricultural research with specific emphasis on soil and water.