Annual/Termination Reports:

[08/10/2010] [08/09/2010] [06/18/2012] [06/18/2012] [06/12/2013] [06/30/2014]

Report Information

Participants

Participants:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Christopher Hay (for Hal Werner  SD)
Larry Geohring (NY)
Matt Helmers (IA)
Dan Jaynes (IA)
Ramesh Kanwar (Admin. Advisor, IA)
Eileen Kladivko (IN)
Kelly Nelson (MO)
Jeff Strock (MN)
Gary Sands (MN)
Wayne Skaggs (NC)

GUESTS PRESENT:
Mark Sunohara (Canada)
Mohamed Youssef (NC)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
The committee held its seventh annual meeting on June 1317, 2010 in conjunction with ASABEs Ninth International Drainage Symposium conducted jointly with CIGRs XVIIth Congress and CSABE in Quebec City, Canada. This international meeting venue provided committee members and guests an opportunity to attend a 2-day pre-symposium DRAINMOD workshop, to attend and interact with presenters of 77 oral papers and 20 posters by participants from 22 countries in 14 technical sessions, and to attend an all day post-conference tour of water management practices. The varied technical sessions covered many topics relevant to drainage water management. The committee held its business meeting on June 16, 2010, and was chaired by Kelly Nelson. During the business meeting, committee members were informed that the committee was renewed for five years, received a report from its Administrative Advisor, Ramesh Kanwar, discussed some future funding opportunities, gave brief station reports, and elected a new committee secretary, Xinhua Jia, from North Dakota.

Accomplishments

IA (Iowa State University), submitted by Matt Helmers.<br /> Accomplishments: Research and extension efforts at Iowa State University relative to drainage design and management practices to improve water quality continue to center on nutrient export from tile drainage systems and nutrient management practices to minimize this export of nutrients, specifically nitrate-nitrogen. Work is also continuing that is evaluating drainage water management and cropping practice impacts on drainage volume and drainage water quality. Some new work is specifically examining impacts of various biomass production systems including continuous corn with stover removal and a diverse restored native prairie system. In addition, work is beginning on examining the impacts of optimal drainage design and integration with nutrient removal wetlands to reduce downstream nutrient transport and improve crop production. Water quality and water quantity are being monitoring from seven drainage water quality research sites. <br /> <br /> From field plot studies based on four years of data we found little impact of timing of nitrogen application on nitrate concentrations in drainage water in north-central Iowa. Based on this same study it was found that various land covers including continuous living mulch, winter cover crop, and perennial grass have some potential to reduce nitrate loss. In addition, the continuous living cover and perennial grass resulted in lower soil water storage during the spring and early summer of the year. This lower soil water storage would be expected to have positive impacts on drainage and surface water runoff. The drainage and crop production data specifically for the annual cover crop systems in a corn-soybean rotation have been used to test RZWQM. This has also included long-term predictions of the impact of including a winter rye cover crop in the corn-soybean system. Initial modeling has indicated a potential to reduce over drainage volume by about 10%. <br /> <br /> Work being led by Dr. Alok Bhandari is examining the potential for subsurface drainage bioreactors as treatment systems for nitrate from drainage water. This work is examining lab-scale, pilot-scale, and field-scale performance. Initial results indicate 40-60% nitrate-nitrogen concentration reduction at retention times of 4-8 hours. <br /> <br /> Extension work has focused on disseminating information relative to drainage water quality and economic design of drainage systems. This has included statewide, regional, and local programming events. In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Minnesota, the IA-MN Drainage Research Forum was held in November 2009 and was attended by approximately 80 stakeholders. In August 2009, an Iowa Drainage School was held near Crawfordsville, IA that focused on hands-on design of drainage systems. Approximately 25 individuals participated in this event.<br /> <br /> MI (Michigan State University), submitted by Tim Harrigan.<br /> Evaluation of Leaching and Ponding of Viral Contaminants Following Land Application of Biosolids on Sandy-Loam Soil.<br /> By Kelvin Wong, Tim Harrigan and Irene Xagoraraki, Michigan State University<br /> Much of the most productive farmland in the Great Lakes region is artificially drained or characterized by a seasonal high water table. Much of the land available for the land application of biosolids is farm ground near residential areas. Biosolids is often applied on hay or grassland during the growing season or on corn ground before planting or after harvest in the fall. In this study, mesophilic anaerobic digested (MAD) biosolids were applied at 56,000 L/ha on a sandy-loam soil over large containment lysimeters seeded to perennial covers of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or planted annually to maize (Zea mays L.). Portable rainfall simulators were used to evaluate the movement of microbial contaminants under nearly saturated conditions. Specific objectives of this work were to: 1) evaluate the movement of indigenous viruses (somatic phage and adenovirus), and microbial tracer ( P-22 bacteriophage) from MAD biosolids following surface application over large containment lysimeters, and 2) evaluate the viral concentration of ponded surface water following simulated rainfall.<br /> Current Activities<br /> Biosolids (56,100 L/ha) were applied to the surface of the lysimeters during the growing season. Immediately before land application the biosolids were spiked with the P-22 bacteriophage and adenovirus to concentrations of 3.00×1011 1.25×1010 PFU/100ml, respectively. An anionic tracer (potassium chloride) was applied in 4L of water followed by 6.4 mm rainfall on the day before biosolids application. Simulated rainfall was applied on a daily basis until about 1.7 pore volumes of leachate was collected from each lysimeter. Leachate samples (3.9L) were drawn from the bottom of the lysimeters with a peristaltic pump every 0.1 pore volumes and analyzed for chloride concentration, P-22 and adenovirus. <br /> What We Have Learned<br /> There were 3.5 and 7.3 log reductions of somatic phage and adenovirus, respectively, in the leachate compared to the biosolids. The P-22 bacteriophage was found in leachate from three lysimeters (removal rates ranged from 1.81 to 3.2 log10/m). The peak breakthrough of the anionic tracer occurred at about 0.3 pore volume but the peak BTC of the P-22 varied from <0.1 to 0.7 pore volumes. The early and variable time to peak breakthrough of anionic and microbial tracers indicated preferential flow paths, presumably from soil cracks, root channels, worm holes or other natural phenomena. The concentration of microbial contaminants collected in the ponded surface water ranged from 1 to 10% of the initial concentration in the applied biosolids. Microbial pollution from runoff following significant rainfall events is likely when biosolids remain on the soil surface. <br /> <br /> MN (University of Minnesota), submitted by Jeff Strock.<br /> Research<br /> Soil and water management and conservation with emphasis on drainage water management continues to be conducted at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC) near Lamberton, MN. Our research goal is to provide field-based research information and integrated soil and water management solutions to assist agricultural and environmental stakeholders in supporting sustainable agricultural production and improving water quality. Results from the on-farm, field-scale, research project comparing controlled and conventional drainage showed that controlled drainage reduced drain outflow by 68%, nitrogen loss by 64%, and phosphorus loss by 77% compared to conventional drainage. Controlled drainage resulted in a 10% yield increase over conventional free drainage in 2009. This was the first reported yield increase at this site after observing no difference between treatments for three years. <br /> <br /> Nutrient retention basins monitoring included pairs of surface-flow, horizontal-flow, and vertical-flow basins. The entire complex of basins is providing multiple ecosystem services. Regulation functions and related services include: water supply regulation, soil retention, nutrient cycling, and pollination. The site has so far created water storage and apparent soil and nutrient retention/cycling. Various forbes and grasses at the site also provide natural pollination. Habitat functions and related services include: living space for plants and animals and breeding and nursery areas. This spring various frogs, toads, shorebirds, and waterfowl have used the site. There have been several nesting pairs of waterfowl at the site. Production functions and related services include: production of raw materials in the form of native grasses. Although there are no plans at this time to harvest and use these raw materials the capacity exists. Information functions and related services include: aesthetic, recreational, scientific and educational information. Anyone who has visited the site can attest to the aesthetic nature of the site. The complex also has intrinsic value as a research and demonstration site.<br /> <br /> Extension/Outreach Education<br /> Six presentations were given to stakeholder groups during the past year. A total of 371 people participated in the events.<br /> <br /> " University of Minnesota SWROC 50th Anniversary  19 January, 2009. Lamberton, MN. Number of participants: 125.<br /> " RCRCA and Area II Legislative Update and Year-in-Review  12 December, 2009. Wabasso, MN. Number of participants: 55. <br /> " Conservation Drainage Focus Group  14 January, 2010. Montevideo, MN. Number of participants: 8.<br /> " Conservation Drainage Focus Group  21 January, 2010. Montevideo, MN. Number of participants: 6.<br /> " Drainage Water Management: Benefits, Conflicts, and Resolutions. 18 March, 2010. Hayti, SD. Number of participants: 130. <br /> " Drainage Water Management to meet Agronomic and Environmental Goals. 17 June, 2010. Harrow, ON, Canada. Number of participants: 14.<br /> " Improving Teacher Quality Workshop. 29 June, 2010. Lamberton, MN. Number of participants: 33.<br /> <br /> <br /> MO (University of Missouri), submitted by Kelly Nelson.<br /> Managed drainage has been utilized as a best management system to reduce NO3-N loss through subsurface drain tiles. Regulated water flow through the winter months has reduced NO3-N loading of streams up to 75%. Field research was initiated on claypan and silty clay soils to evaluate the impacts of managed drainage systems for crop and livestock production from 2009 to 2012. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers may further reduce NO3-N loss through subsurface drainage systems that utilize managed drainage for corn production. The hypothesis of this research is that managed drainage and enhanced efficiency fertilizer (polymer-coated urea) will synergistically increase corn yields and reduce NO3-N loss, and managed drainage will reduce NO3-N loss from an intensive annual forage production system. This research will 1) determine the effects of managed drainage systems and enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizer (polymer-coated urea) on corn production, nitrogen use efficiency, and nitrogen loss through the drainage system; and 2) evaluate the effects of managed drainage on forage production, nitrogen use efficiency, and non-point source nitrogen loss through the drainage system. There have been two sites selected to conduct experiments evaluating managed drainage for corn production referred to as the Greenley and Bee Ridge sites, and one for forage production for cattle (Bos taurus) referred to as the Forage site. <br /> The MUDS (MU Drainage and Subirrigation) research site was maintained including research on fungicide treatments in soybean and corn hybrids. Some of the key findings to date from this research include: 1) drainage only increased average corn grain yields up to 20%, while DSI has increased average yields up to 48% when compared with non-drained, non-irrigated soil planted on the same day from 2004 to 2009; 2) overhead irrigation increased grain yield 7% compared to DSI corn with 20 ft laterals from 2004 to 2009, however, applied water was on average 4 times greater for overhead irrigated corn compared with DSI corn on a 20 ft drain tile spacing from 2004 to 2007; 3) corn and soybean planting date was delayed an average of 3 days for the non-drained control when compared with drained soils from 2002 to 2009; 4) delay-planted soybean yield has been 2 bu/a less than soybean planted at the time DO treatments were planted, while corn grain yield was 14 bu/a greater with a delayed planting date; and 5) soybean grain yield with DO has averaged up to 23% greater than the non-drained delayed planting controls; 6) similarly, DSI had soybean grain yields up to 25% greater than the non-drained delayed planting controls.<br /> <br /> NY (Cornell University), submitted by Larry Geohring.<br /> Accomplishments. Research was done on several farms in Central New York to investigate the mobility and transport of E. coli as dairy manure is collected and then land applied to tile drained fields. The E. coli isolates were collected at three distinct locations on each farm: (i) cow housing, (ii) calf housing, and (iii) field drain (tile) effluent, and the isolates were analyzed for the cell surface components cellulose and curli, traits that have been linked to increased environmental survival and transport through soil. The results showed a high amount of diversity amongst E. coli isolates at each spatial location, and the isolates collected from cow housing and calf housing displayed highly variable curli and cellulose-producing community profiles from one sampling week to another. However, the isolates collected from the drain tile effluent consistently displayed similar curli and cellulose production communities over all sampling dates suggesting that the subsurface soil and presence of drain tiles tend to select for a certain subset of E. coli strains, perhaps better adapted for environmental survival and/or transport. Not all of the E. coli strains found in the tile effluent were sourced from the cow or calf housing, which also indicates that other environmental sources of bacteria can contaminate tile drain effluent.<br /> <br /> Controlled drainage is being investigated as a best management practice to reduce the impact of liquid manure applications to tile drained fields, especially where preferential transport may contaminate the drain discharge. Several candidate field sites were selected on cooperating farms in New York, and nine drainage control (Agri Drain) inline structures were installed. Preliminary sampling is now underway. In the laboratory, replicated soil columns were constructed to simulate different macropore sizes, and leaching experiments were conducted using liquid manure with different solids density. These combined field and laboratory experiments will examine if controlled drainage can minimize impacts from manure contaminated tile effluent, and better define the relationship between manure liquidity and potential leaching through various soils. <br /> <br /> A training session on Soil Hydrology and Drainage and Irrigation Principles was organized and presented at the annual Northeast Certified Crop Advisors Conference, and other extension activity included responding to tile drainage discharge water quality violations, whereby the drainage discharge was discolored from preceding manure applications. This resulted in making several presentations at farmer meetings and to the Agricultural Environmental Management Certification Subcommittee, a joint committee of the New York State Departments of Agriculture and Markets and Environmental Conservation, which addresses policy implications of CAFOs and provides training and certification of CNMPs (Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planners).<br /> <br /> IA (ARS National Soil Tilth Lab, Ames), submitted by Dan Jaynes.<br /> Bioreactors and Cover Crops. Accomplishment. Nitrate in water removed from fields by subsurface drain (tile) systems is often at concentrations exceeding the 10 mg N L1 maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the USEPA for drinking water and has been implicated in contributing to the hypoxia problem within the northern Gulf of Mexico. Because previous research shows that N fertilizer management alone is not sufficient for reducing NO3 concentrations in subsurface drainage below the MCL, additional approaches are need. In a continuing field study, we are comparing the NO3 losses in tile drainage from a conventional drainage system (CN) consisting of a free-flowing pipe installed 1.2 m below the soil surface to losses in tile drainage from two alternative drainage designs. The alternative treatments are a denitrification wall bioreactor (BR), where trenches excavated parallel to the tile and filled with woodchips serve as additional carbon sources to increase denitrification and a rye (Secale cereale L.) winter cover crop seeded each year near harvest and then chemically killed before planting the main crop the next following spring. Four replicate 30.5 x 42.7-m field plots were installed for each treatment in 1999 and a corn/soybean rotation initiated in 2000. Outcome. Over the past 9 yr the bioreactor and fall cover crop have reduced NO3 losses by 5 to 47 kg N yr-1. There has been no trend in the bioreactor efficacy indicating that the woodchips are still supporting denitrification at rates similar to when were first installed. The only year that the fall cover crop did not reduce nitrate losses was in 2001 when little cover crop was established in the fall of 2000 due to very dry weather after planting. Relatively lower removal rates in 2009 reflect overall lower nitrate losses from all plots including the conventionally drained plot. Impact. This research has quantified the potential water quality benefits from using fall-planted cover crops in Iowa and bioreactors for from removing nitrate from tile water.<br /> <br /> Denitrification in wood chip bioreactors at different water flows. Accomplishment. Subsurface drainage in agricultural watersheds exports a large quantity of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and concentrations frequently exceed 10 mg L-1. A laboratory column study was conducted to investigate the ability of a wood chip biofilter to promote denitrification under mean water flow rates of 2.9, 6.6, 8.7 and 13.6 cm d-1 which are representative of flows entering subsurface drainage tiles. Columns were packed with wood chips and inoculated with a small amount of oxidized till and incubated at 10° C. Silicone sampling cells at the effluent ports were used for N2O sampling. 15Nitrate was added to dosing water at 50 mg L-1 and effluent was collected and analyzed for NO3-N, NH4-N, and dissolved organic carbon. Outcome. Mean NO3-N concentrations in the effluent were 0.0, 18.5, 24.2, and 35.3 mg L-1 for the flow rates 2.9, 6.6, 8.7 and 13.6 cm d-1, respectively, which correspond to 100, 64, 52, and 30% efficiency of removal. The NO3-N removal rates per g of wood increased with increasing flow rates. Denitrification was found to be the dominant NO3-N removal mechanism as immobilization of 15 NO3-N was negligible compared with the quantity of 15 NO3-N removed. Nitrous oxide production from the columns ranged from 0.003 to 0.028% of the N denitrified, indicating that complete denitrification generally occurred. Impact. Based on these observations, wood chip biofilters may be successful at removing significant quantities of NO3-N, and reducing NO3-N concentration from water moving to subsurface drainage at flow rates observed in central Iowa subsoil.<br /> <br /> Denitrifying bioreactorsAn approach for reducing nitrate loads to receiving waters. Accomplishment. Low-cost and simple technologies are needed to reduce watershed export of excess nitrogen to sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Denitrifying bioreactors are an approach where solid carbon substrates are added into the flow path of contaminated water. These carbon (C) substrates (often fragmented wood-products) act as a C and energy source to support denitrification; the conversion of nitrate (NO3) to nitrogen gases. Here, we summarize the different designs of denitrifying bioreactors that use a solid C substrate, their hydrological connections, effectiveness, and factors that limit their performance. Outcome. The main denitrifying bioreactors are: denitrification walls (intercepting shallow groundwater), denitrifying beds (intercepting concentrated discharges) and denitrifying layers (intercepting soil leachate). Both denitrifcation walls and beds have proven successful in appropriate field settings with NO3 removal rates generally ranging from 0.01 to 3.6 g N m3 day1 for walls and 222 g N m3 day1 for beds, with the lower rates often associated with nitrate-limitations. Nitrate removal is also limited by the rate of C supply from degrading substrate and removal is operationally zero-order with respect to NO3 concentration primarily because the inputs of NO3 into studied bioreactors have been generally high. In bioreactors where NO3 is not fully depleted, removal rates generally increase with increasing temperature. Nitrate removal has been supported for up to 15 years without further maintenance or C supplementation because wood chips degrade sufficiently slowly under anoxic conditions. There have been few field-based comparisons of alternative C substrates to increase NO3 removal rates but laboratory trials suggest that some alternatives could support greater rates of NO3 removal (e.g., corn cobs and wheat straw). Denitrifying bioreactors may have a number of adverse effects, such as production of nitrous oxide and leaching of dissolved organic matter (usually only for the first few months after construction and start-up). The relatively small amount of field data suggests that these problems can be adequately managed or minimized. An initial cost/benefit analysis demonstrates that denitrifying bioreactors are cost effective and complementary to other agricultural management practices aimed at decreasing nitrogen loads to surface waters. Impact. We conclude with recommendations for further research to enhance performance of denitrifying bioreactors.<br /> <br /> IL (University of Illinois), no written report available.<br /> IN (Purdue University), no written report available.<br /> LA, no written report available.<br /> MD, no written report available.<br /> NC (North Carolina State University), no written report available.<br /> ND (North Dakota State University), no written report available. <br /> OH, no written report available.<br /> WI, no written report available.<br /> <br /> Committee Impact Statements:<br /> 1. Activities and accomplishments on a state basis are listed within the station reports. <br /> 2. Impacts on a state basis are listed within most station reports.<br /> 3. Committee members were familiarized with research, education, and extension programs in other states, as well as the drainage research in many other countries. This is fostering collaborative relationships.<br />

Publications

Reported Publications:<br /> Journal Publications:<br /> Christianson, L., A. Castelló, R. Christianson, A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. Hydraulic property determination of denitrifying bacteria fill media. Accepted May 2010 as a Technical Note to Applied Engineering in Agriculture. <br /> Christianson, L., A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. Pilot-scale evaluation of denitrification drainage bioreactors: Reactor geometry and performance. Submitted February 3, 2010 to Journal of Environmental Engineering.<br /> Christianson, L. A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. 2009. Emerging technology: Denitrification bioreactors for nitrate reduction in agricultural waters. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 64:139A-141A.<br /> Lowery, B., C. Cox, D. Lemke, P. Nowak, K. Olson, and J. Strock. 2009. The 2008 Midwest flooding impact on soil erosion and water quality: implications for soil erosion control practices. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 64:166A.<br /> Luo, W. G.R. Sands, M. Youssef, J.S. Strock, I. Song, and D. Canelon. 2010. Modeling the impact of alternative drainage practices in the northern corn belt with Drainmod-NII. Ag. Water Mgmt. 97:389-398.<br /> Moorman, Thomas B., Parkin, Timothy B., Kaspar, Thomas C., Jaynes, Dan B. 2010. Denitrification activity, wood loss, and N2O emissions over 9 years from a wood chip bioreactor. Ecological Eng. xxx: xxx-xxx. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.03.012.<br /> Nelson, K.A., S.M. Paniagua, and P.P. Motavalli. 2009. Effect of polymer coated urea, irrigation, and drainage on nitrogen utilization and yield of corn in a claypan soil. Agron. J. 101:681-687.<br /> Qi, Z. and M. J. Helmers Converting Permittivity measured by PR2 capacitance probe into soil moisture for Des Moines Lobe soils in Iowa. Accepted to Soil Use and Management Dec. 6, 2009. <br /> Qi, Z. and M. J. Helmers. 2009. Soil water dynamics under winter rye cover crop in central Iowa. Vadose Zone Journal 9(1): 53-60.<br /> Riley, K. D., M. J. Helmers, P A. Lawlor, and R. Singh. 2009. Water balance investigation of controlled drainage in non-weighing lysimeters. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 25(4): 507-514.<br /> Schipper, Louis A., Robertson, Will D., Gold, Arthur J., Jaynes, Dan B., Cameron, Stewart C. 2010. Denitrifying bioreactors  An approach for reducing nitrate loads to receiving waters. Ecological Eng. xxx: xxxxxx. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.04.008.<br /> <br /> Conference Proceedings, Professional Society Papers, or Other Extension and Non-refereed Publications:<br /> Christianson, L., A. Bhandari, M. J. Helmers, and M. St. Clair. 2009. Denitrifying bioreactors for treatment of tile drainage. In: Proceedings of the EWRI Congress, ASCE. [Oral Presentation - Christianson] <br /> Christianson, L. A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. 2009. Woodchip bioreactors: A new nitrate reduction option. Getting into Soil & Water, Iowa Water Center. Vol. 1, pg 13.<br /> Christianson, R.*, M. J. Helmers, P. Lawlor, and D. Lemke. 2009. Impact of fertilizer timing on drainage nitrate levels. ASABE Meeting Paper No. 09-6246. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE. [Oral Presentation  Christianson]<br /> Helmers, M. J., D. Lemke, W. Crumpton, and S. Melvin. 2009. Integrated drainage-wetland landscape systems: A strategy to provide environmental and crop production benefits. Getting into Soil & Water, Iowa Water Center. Vol. 1, pg 4. <br /> Helmers, M. J., S. Melvin, and D. Lemke. 2009. Drainage main rehabilitation in Iowa. In: Proceedings of the EWRI Congress, ASCE. [Oral Presentation - Helmers]<br /> Jaynes, Dan. 2009. Crop yield and nitrate losses from sidedressing N at canopy closure. [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2009am/webprogram/Session6919.html#top<br /> Jaynes, Dan B., Thorp, Kelly R., James, David E. 2010. Potential water quality impact of drainage water management in the Midwest USA. Proceedings of ASABE's 9th International Drainage Symposium. June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. Paper #84.<br /> Melkonian, J., L.D. Geohring, H.M. van Es, P.E. Wright, T.S. Steenhuis, and C. Graham. 2010. Subsurface drainage nitrogen discharges following manure application: Measurements and model analyses. Proceedings of ASABE's 9th International Drainage Symposium. June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. Paper #201.<br /> Nelson, K., C. Meinhardt, and R. Smoot. 2009. Managed Drainage System for Crop Production. Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report. pp. 4-6.<br /> Nelson, K., C. Meinhardt, and R. Smoot. 2009. MU Drainage and Subirrigation (MUDS) Research Update. Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report. pp. 7-19.<br /> Salvucci, A.E., M. Elton, J.D. Siler, W. Zhang, B.K. Richards, L.D. Geohring, L.D. Warnick, A.G. Hay, and T.S. Steenhuis. 2010. The role of curli and cellulose in the transport and survival of Escherichia coli on a Central New York dairy farm. Proceedings of ASABE's 9th International Drainage Symposium. June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. Paper #161.<br /> <br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. Iowa: The work on cover crops specifically modeling the impacts of cover crops on drainage and nitrate loss has helped to reveal some future research questions related to immobilization of nitrogen and subsequent availability for cash crops. Increased understanding of this questions would aid in developing nitrogen recommendations for producers that are using long-term cover crop systems.
2. With Greg Brenneman and Kapil Arora the 3rd Iowa Drainage School was organized. Participants rate this program as good to excellent and nearly all participants indicate that the program will help them design more effective drainage systems that will improve their bottom line.
3. The work on subsurface drainage bioreactors has been used in developing an interim conservation practice standard by Iowa NRCS. This allows producers to apply for cost-share to install a subsurface drainage bioreactors. Overall, the work on bioreactors by many in the state of Iowa including ISU, USDA-ARS, local watershed groups, and the Iowa Soybean Association has dramatically increased the producer level interest in this practice.
4. The presentation Potential water quality impact of drainage water management in the Midwest USA was made at ASABEs 9th International Drainage Symposium June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. A presentation was given to national NRCS staff of Drainage Water Management in Ames on May 26. A presentation on nitrate reduction strategies including Drainage Water management and bioreactors was given at the NSF workshop Managing denitrification in human dominated landscapes in Boulder, CO on May 13.
5. Two posters were presented on Drainage Water Management and bioreactors at the ARS Water Showcase in St Louis March 2. A presentation on results of the Iowa CIG project on drainage water management was given at the 10th Annual Draiange Research Forum in Ames, IA on November 10.
6. Contamination of surface and ground water from the land application of animal waste and biosolids is an immediate health threat. The results of this work will be used to develop best management practices for the land application of manure and biosolids on drained land or where seasonal high water tables exist. Some of the management practices that will protect water quality are: 1) pre-tillage to disrupt the continuity of macro-pores, 2) controlled (low) application rates, and 3) timing manure application rates to avoid application on wet ground, when tiles are flowing, or when there is a chance of significant rainfall (> 0.5 inches) within the next few days.
7. MN Impacts Research and accompanying extension/outreach education programs increased the understanding of the effect of controlled versus conventional drainage on drain outflow and nutrient loss. This research shows that there are practices with the potential to decrease drain outflow and nutrient losses under drained agricultural landscapes.
8. MN Impacts: In addition to on-going research, over 370 producers, agriculture professionals, and local, state and federal employees participated in field days and workshops on topics related to soil and water management and conservation and drainage water management research during 2009.
9. NY Impacts. There is a need for more research regarding manure application impacts to tile drain discharges and to evaluate potential BMPs that might address these concerns. This work is being targeted to areas where water quality violations have previously occurred, providing stakeholders some assurance that the problem is being evaluated and addressed. The outreach activities have resulted in greater awareness of the potential water quality impacts of tile drain discharges, so producers and nutrient management planners are paying more attention to identifying vulnerable tile outlets and adjusting their manure application methods, rates and timing accordingly. About 125 people attended the various meetings and training sessions.

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Report Information

Participants

Participants:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Christopher Hay (for Hal Werner  SD)
Larry Geohring (NY)
Matt Helmers (IA)
Dan Jaynes (IA)
Ramesh Kanwar (Admin. Advisor, IA)
Eileen Kladivko (IN)
Kelly Nelson (MO)
Jeff Strock (MN)
Gary Sands (MN)
Wayne Skaggs (NC)

GUESTS PRESENT:
Mark Sunohara (Canada)
Mohamed Youssef (NC)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

The committee held its seventh annual meeting on June 1317, 2010 in conjunction with ASABEs Ninth International Drainage Symposium conducted jointly with CIGRs XVIIth Congress and CSABE in Quebec City, Canada. This international meeting venue provided committee members and guests an opportunity to attend a 2-day pre-symposium DRAINMOD workshop, to attend and interact with presenters of 77 oral papers and 20 posters by participants from 22 countries in 14 technical sessions, and to attend an all day post-conference tour of water management practices. The varied technical sessions covered many topics relevant to drainage water management. The committee held its business meeting on June 16, 2010, and was chaired by Kelly Nelson. During the business meeting, committee members were informed that the committee was renewed for five years, received a report from its Administrative Advisor, Ramesh Kanwar, discussed some future funding opportunities, gave brief station reports, and elected a new committee secretary, Xinhua Jia, from North Dakota.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments - Individual Station Reports:<br /> <br /> IA (Iowa State University), submitted by Matt Helmers.<br /> Accomplishments: Research and extension efforts at Iowa State University relative to drainage design and management practices to improve water quality continue to center on nutrient export from tile drainage systems and nutrient management practices to minimize this export of nutrients, specifically nitrate-nitrogen. Work is also continuing that is evaluating drainage water management and cropping practice impacts on drainage volume and drainage water quality. Some new work is specifically examining impacts of various biomass production systems including continuous corn with stover removal and a diverse restored native prairie system. In addition, work is beginning on examining the impacts of optimal drainage design and integration with nutrient removal wetlands to reduce downstream nutrient transport and improve crop production. Water quality and water quantity are being monitoring from seven drainage water quality research sites. <br /> <br /> From field plot studies based on four years of data we found little impact of timing of nitrogen application on nitrate concentrations in drainage water in north-central Iowa. Based on this same study it was found that various land covers including continuous living mulch, winter cover crop, and perennial grass have some potential to reduce nitrate loss. In addition, the continuous living cover and perennial grass resulted in lower soil water storage during the spring and early summer of the year. This lower soil water storage would be expected to have positive impacts on drainage and surface water runoff. The drainage and crop production data specifically for the annual cover crop systems in a corn-soybean rotation have been used to test RZWQM. This has also included long-term predictions of the impact of including a winter rye cover crop in the corn-soybean system. Initial modeling has indicated a potential to reduce over drainage volume by about 10%. <br /> <br /> Work being led by Dr. Alok Bhandari is examining the potential for subsurface drainage bioreactors as treatment systems for nitrate from drainage water. This work is examining lab-scale, pilot-scale, and field-scale performance. Initial results indicate 40-60% nitrate-nitrogen concentration reduction at retention times of 4-8 hours. <br /> <br /> Extension work has focused on disseminating information relative to drainage water quality and economic design of drainage systems. This has included statewide, regional, and local programming events. In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Minnesota, the IA-MN Drainage Research Forum was held in November 2009 and was attended by approximately 80 stakeholders. In August 2009, an Iowa Drainage School was held near Crawfordsville, IA that focused on hands-on design of drainage systems. Approximately 25 individuals participated in this event. <br /> <br /> IA (ARS National Soil Tilth Lab, Ames), submitted by Dan Jaynes.<br /> Bioreactors and Cover Crops. Accomplishment. Nitrate in water removed from fields by subsurface drain (tile) systems is often at concentrations exceeding the 10 mg N L1 maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the USEPA for drinking water and has been implicated in contributing to the hypoxia problem within the northern Gulf of Mexico. Because previous research shows that N fertilizer management alone is not sufficient for reducing NO3 concentrations in subsurface drainage below the MCL, additional approaches are need. In a continuing field study, we are comparing the NO3 losses in tile drainage from a conventional drainage system (CN) consisting of a free-flowing pipe installed 1.2 m below the soil surface to losses in tile drainage from two alternative drainage designs. The alternative treatments are a denitrification wall bioreactor (BR), where trenches excavated parallel to the tile and filled with woodchips serve as additional carbon sources to increase denitrification and a rye (Secale cereale L.) winter cover crop seeded each year near harvest and then chemically killed before planting the main crop the next following spring. Four replicate 30.5 x 42.7-m field plots were installed for each treatment in 1999 and a corn/soybean rotation initiated in 2000. Outcome. Over the past 9 yr the bioreactor and fall cover crop have reduced NO3 losses by 5 to 47 kg N yr-1. There has been no trend in the bioreactor efficacy indicating that the woodchips are still supporting denitrification at rates similar to when were first installed. The only year that the fall cover crop did not reduce nitrate losses was in 2001 when little cover crop was established in the fall of 2000 due to very dry weather after planting. Relatively lower removal rates in 2009 reflect overall lower nitrate losses from all plots including the conventionally drained plot. <br /> <br /> Denitrification in wood chip bioreactors at different water flows. Accomplishment. Subsurface drainage in agricultural watersheds exports a large quantity of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and concentrations frequently exceed 10 mg L-1. A laboratory column study was conducted to investigate the ability of a wood chip biofilter to promote denitrification under mean water flow rates of 2.9, 6.6, 8.7 and 13.6 cm d-1 which are representative of flows entering subsurface drainage tiles. Columns were packed with wood chips and inoculated with a small amount of oxidized till and incubated at 10° C. Silicone sampling cells at the effluent ports were used for N2O sampling. 15Nitrate was added to dosing water at 50 mg L-1 and effluent was collected and analyzed for NO3-N, NH4-N, and dissolved organic carbon. Outcome. Mean NO3-N concentrations in the effluent were 0.0, 18.5, 24.2, and 35.3 mg L-1 for the flow rates 2.9, 6.6, 8.7 and 13.6 cm d-1, respectively, which correspond to 100, 64, 52, and 30% efficiency of removal. The NO3-N removal rates per g of wood increased with increasing flow rates. Denitrification was found to be the dominant NO3-N removal mechanism as immobilization of 15 NO3-N was negligible compared with the quantity of 15 NO3-N removed. Nitrous oxide production from the columns ranged from 0.003 to 0.028% of the N denitrified, indicating that complete denitrification generally occurred.<br /> <br /> MI (Michigan State University), submitted by Tim Harrigan.<br /> Evaluation of Leaching and Ponding of Viral Contaminants Following Land Application of Biosolids on Sandy-Loam Soil.<br /> By Kelvin Wong, Tim Harrigan and Irene Xagoraraki, Michigan State University<br /> Much of the most productive farmland in the Great Lakes region is artificially drained or characterized by a seasonal high water table. Much of the land available for the land application of biosolids is farm ground near residential areas. Biosolids is often applied on hay or grassland during the growing season or on corn ground before planting or after harvest in the fall. In this study, mesophilic anaerobic digested (MAD) biosolids were applied at 56,000 L/ha on a sandy-loam soil over large containment lysimeters seeded to perennial covers of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or planted annually to maize (Zea mays L.). Portable rainfall simulators were used to evaluate the movement of microbial contaminants under nearly saturated conditions. Specific objectives of this work were to: 1) evaluate the movement of indigenous viruses (somatic phage and adenovirus), and microbial tracer ( P-22 bacteriophage) from MAD biosolids following surface application over large containment lysimeters, and 2) evaluate the viral concentration of ponded surface water following simulated rainfall.<br /> Current Activities<br /> Biosolids (56,100 L/ha) were applied to the surface of the lysimeters during the growing season. Immediately before land application the biosolids were spiked with the P-22 bacteriophage and adenovirus to concentrations of 3.00×1011 1.25×1010 PFU/100ml, respectively. An anionic tracer (potassium chloride) was applied in 4L of water followed by 6.4 mm rainfall on the day before biosolids application. Simulated rainfall was applied on a daily basis until about 1.7 pore volumes of leachate was collected from each lysimeter. Leachate samples (3.9L) were drawn from the bottom of the lysimeters with a peristaltic pump every 0.1 pore volumes and analyzed for chloride concentration, P-22 and adenovirus. <br /> What We Have Learned<br /> There were 3.5 and 7.3 log reductions of somatic phage and adenovirus, respectively, in the leachate compared to the biosolids. The P-22 bacteriophage was found in leachate from three lysimeters (removal rates ranged from 1.81 to 3.2 log10/m). The peak breakthrough of the anionic tracer occurred at about 0.3 pore volume but the peak BTC of the P-22 varied from <0.1 to 0.7 pore volumes. The early and variable time to peak breakthrough of anionic and microbial tracers indicated preferential flow paths, presumably from soil cracks, root channels, worm holes or other natural phenomena. The concentration of microbial contaminants collected in the ponded surface water ranged from 1 to 10% of the initial concentration in the applied biosolids. Microbial pollution from runoff following significant rainfall events is likely when biosolids remain on the soil surface. <br /> <br /> MN (University of Minnesota), submitted by Jeff Strock.<br /> Research<br /> Soil and water management and conservation with emphasis on drainage water management continues to be conducted at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC) near Lamberton, MN. Our research goal is to provide field-based research information and integrated soil and water management solutions to assist agricultural and environmental stakeholders in supporting sustainable agricultural production and improving water quality. Results from the on-farm, field-scale, research project comparing controlled and conventional drainage showed that controlled drainage reduced drain outflow by 68%, nitrogen loss by 64%, and phosphorus loss by 77% compared to conventional drainage. Controlled drainage resulted in a 10% yield increase over conventional free drainage in 2009. This was the first reported yield increase at this site after observing no difference between treatments for three years. <br /> <br /> Nutrient retention basins monitoring included pairs of surface-flow, horizontal-flow, and vertical-flow basins. The entire complex of basins is providing multiple ecosystem services. Regulation functions and related services include: water supply regulation, soil retention, nutrient cycling, and pollination. The site has so far created water storage and apparent soil and nutrient retention/cycling. Various forbes and grasses at the site also provide natural pollination. Habitat functions and related services include: living space for plants and animals and breeding and nursery areas. This spring various frogs, toads, shorebirds, and waterfowl have used the site. There have been several nesting pairs of waterfowl at the site. Production functions and related services include: production of raw materials in the form of native grasses. Although there are no plans at this time to harvest and use these raw materials the capacity exists. Information functions and related services include: aesthetic, recreational, scientific and educational information. Anyone who has visited the site can attest to the aesthetic nature of the site. The complex also has intrinsic value as a research and demonstration site.<br /> <br /> Extension/Outreach Education<br /> Six presentations were given to stakeholder groups during the past year. A total of 371 people participated in the events.<br /> <br /> " University of Minnesota SWROC 50th Anniversary  19 January, 2009. Lamberton, MN. Number of participants: 125.<br /> " RCRCA and Area II Legislative Update and Year-in-Review  12 December, 2009. Wabasso, MN. Number of participants: 55. <br /> " Conservation Drainage Focus Group  14 January, 2010. Montevideo, MN. Number of participants: 8.<br /> " Conservation Drainage Focus Group  21 January, 2010. Montevideo, MN. Number of participants: 6.<br /> " Drainage Water Management: Benefits, Conflicts, and Resolutions. 18 March, 2010. Hayti, SD. Number of participants: 130. <br /> " Drainage Water Management to meet Agronomic and Environmental Goals. 17 June, 2010. Harrow, ON, Canada. Number of participants: 14.<br /> " Improving Teacher Quality Workshop. 29 June, 2010. Lamberton, MN. Number of participants: 33.<br /> <br /> MO (University of Missouri), submitted by Kelly Nelson.<br /> Managed drainage has been utilized as a best management system to reduce NO3-N loss through subsurface drain tiles. Regulated water flow through the winter months has reduced NO3-N loading of streams up to 75%. Field research was initiated on claypan and silty clay soils to evaluate the impacts of managed drainage systems for crop and livestock production from 2009 to 2012. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers may further reduce NO3-N loss through subsurface drainage systems that utilize managed drainage for corn production. The hypothesis of this research is that managed drainage and enhanced efficiency fertilizer (polymer-coated urea) will synergistically increase corn yields and reduce NO3-N loss, and managed drainage will reduce NO3-N loss from an intensive annual forage production system. This research will 1) determine the effects of managed drainage systems and enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizer (polymer-coated urea) on corn production, nitrogen use efficiency, and nitrogen loss through the drainage system; and 2) evaluate the effects of managed drainage on forage production, nitrogen use efficiency, and non-point source nitrogen loss through the drainage system. There have been two sites selected to conduct experiments evaluating managed drainage for corn production referred to as the Greenley and Bee Ridge sites, and one for forage production for cattle (Bos taurus) referred to as the Forage site. <br /> The MUDS (MU Drainage and Subirrigation) research site was maintained including research on fungicide treatments in soybean and corn hybrids. Some of the key findings to date from this research include: 1) drainage only increased average corn grain yields up to 20%, while DSI has increased average yields up to 48% when compared with non-drained, non-irrigated soil planted on the same day from 2004 to 2009; 2) overhead irrigation increased grain yield 7% compared to DSI corn with 20 ft laterals from 2004 to 2009, however, applied water was on average 4 times greater for overhead irrigated corn compared with DSI corn on a 20 ft drain tile spacing from 2004 to 2007; 3) corn and soybean planting date was delayed an average of 3 days for the non-drained control when compared with drained soils from 2002 to 2009; 4) delay-planted soybean yield has been 2 bu/a less than soybean planted at the time DO treatments were planted, while corn grain yield was 14 bu/a greater with a delayed planting date; and 5) soybean grain yield with DO has averaged up to 23% greater than the non-drained delayed planting controls; 6) similarly, DSI had soybean grain yields up to 25% greater than the non-drained delayed planting controls.<br /> <br /> NY (Cornell University), submitted by Larry Geohring.<br /> Accomplishments. Research was done on several farms in Central New York to investigate the mobility and transport of E. coli as dairy manure is collected and then land applied to tile drained fields. The E. coli isolates were collected at three distinct locations on each farm: (i) cow housing, (ii) calf housing, and (iii) field drain (tile) effluent, and the isolates were analyzed for the cell surface components cellulose and curli, traits that have been linked to increased environmental survival and transport through soil. The results showed a high amount of diversity amongst E. coli isolates at each spatial location, and the isolates collected from cow housing and calf housing displayed highly variable curli and cellulose-producing community profiles from one sampling week to another. However, the isolates collected from the drain tile effluent consistently displayed similar curli and cellulose production communities over all sampling dates suggesting that the subsurface soil and presence of drain tiles tend to select for a certain subset of E. coli strains, perhaps better adapted for environmental survival and/or transport. Not all of the E. coli strains found in the tile effluent were sourced from the cow or calf housing, which also indicates that other environmental sources of bacteria can contaminate tile drain effluent.<br /> <br /> Controlled drainage is being investigated as a best management practice to reduce the impact of liquid manure applications to tile drained fields, especially where preferential transport may contaminate the drain discharge. Several candidate field sites were selected on cooperating farms in New York, and nine drainage control (Agri Drain) inline structures were installed. Preliminary sampling is now underway. In the laboratory, replicated soil columns were constructed to simulate different macropore sizes, and leaching experiments were conducted using liquid manure with different solids density. These combined field and laboratory experiments will examine if controlled drainage can minimize impacts from manure contaminated tile effluent, and better define the relationship between manure liquidity and potential leaching through various soils. <br /> <br /> A training session on Soil Hydrology and Drainage and Irrigation Principles was organized and presented at the annual Northeast Certified Crop Advisors Conference, and other extension activity included responding to tile drainage discharge water quality violations, whereby the drainage discharge was discolored from preceding manure applications. This resulted in making several presentations at farmer meetings and to the Agricultural Environmental Management Certification Subcommittee, a joint committee of the New York State Departments of Agriculture and Markets and Environmental Conservation, which addresses policy implications of CAFOs and provides training and certification of CNMPs (Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planners).<br /> <br />

Publications

Reported Publications:<br /> <br /> Journal Publications:<br /> Christianson, L., A. Castelló, R. Christianson, A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. Hydraulic property determination of denitrifying bacteria fill media. Accepted May 2010 as a Technical Note to Applied Engineering in Agriculture. <br /> Christianson, L., A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. Pilot-scale evaluation of denitrification drainage bioreactors: Reactor geometry and performance. Submitted February 3, 2010 to Journal of Environmental Engineering.<br /> Christianson, L. A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. 2009. Emerging technology: Denitrification bioreactors for nitrate reduction in agricultural waters. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 64:139A-141A.<br /> Lowery, B., C. Cox, D. Lemke, P. Nowak, K. Olson, and J. Strock. 2009. The 2008 Midwest flooding impact on soil erosion and water quality: implications for soil erosion control practices. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 64:166A.<br /> Luo, W. G.R. Sands, M. Youssef, J.S. Strock, I. Song, and D. Canelon. 2010. Modeling the impact of alternative drainage practices in the northern corn belt with Drainmod-NII. Ag. Water Mgmt. 97:389-398.<br /> Moorman, Thomas B., Parkin, Timothy B., Kaspar, Thomas C., Jaynes, Dan B. 2010. Denitrification activity, wood loss, and N2O emissions over 9 years from a wood chip bioreactor. Ecological Eng. xxx: xxx-xxx. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.03.012.<br /> Nelson, K.A., S.M. Paniagua, and P.P. Motavalli. 2009. Effect of polymer coated urea, irrigation, and drainage on nitrogen utilization and yield of corn in a claypan soil. Agron. J. 101:681-687.<br /> Qi, Z. and M. J. Helmers Converting Permittivity measured by PR2 capacitance probe into soil moisture for Des Moines Lobe soils in Iowa. Accepted to Soil Use and Management Dec. 6, 2009. <br /> Qi, Z. and M. J. Helmers. 2009. Soil water dynamics under winter rye cover crop in central Iowa. Vadose Zone Journal 9(1): 53-60.<br /> Riley, K. D., M. J. Helmers, P A. Lawlor, and R. Singh. 2009. Water balance investigation of controlled drainage in non-weighing lysimeters. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 25(4): 507-514.<br /> Schipper, Louis A., Robertson, Will D., Gold, Arthur J., Jaynes, Dan B., Cameron, Stewart C. 2010. Denitrifying bioreactors  An approach for reducing nitrate loads to receiving waters. Ecological Eng. xxx: xxxxxx. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.04.008.<br /> <br /> Conference Proceedings, Professional Society Papers, or Other Extension and Non-refereed Publications:<br /> Christianson, L., A. Bhandari, M. J. Helmers, and M. St. Clair. 2009. Denitrifying bioreactors for treatment of tile drainage. In: Proceedings of the EWRI Congress, ASCE. [Oral Presentation - Christianson] <br /> Christianson, L. A. Bhandari, and M. J. Helmers. 2009. Woodchip bioreactors: A new nitrate reduction option. Getting into Soil & Water, Iowa Water Center. Vol. 1, pg 13.<br /> Christianson, R.*, M. J. Helmers, P. Lawlor, and D. Lemke. 2009. Impact of fertilizer timing on drainage nitrate levels. ASABE Meeting Paper No. 09-6246. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE. [Oral Presentation  Christianson]<br /> Helmers, M. J., D. Lemke, W. Crumpton, and S. Melvin. 2009. Integrated drainage-wetland landscape systems: A strategy to provide environmental and crop production benefits. Getting into Soil & Water, Iowa Water Center. Vol. 1, pg 4. <br /> Helmers, M. J., S. Melvin, and D. Lemke. 2009. Drainage main rehabilitation in Iowa. In: Proceedings of the EWRI Congress, ASCE. [Oral Presentation - Helmers]<br /> Jaynes, Dan. 2009. Crop yield and nitrate losses from sidedressing N at canopy closure. [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2009am/webprogram/Session6919.html#top<br /> Jaynes, Dan B., Thorp, Kelly R., James, David E. 2010. Potential water quality impact of drainage water management in the Midwest USA. Proceedings of ASABE's 9th International Drainage Symposium. June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. Paper #84.<br /> Melkonian, J., L.D. Geohring, H.M. van Es, P.E. Wright, T.S. Steenhuis, and C. Graham. 2010. Subsurface drainage nitrogen discharges following manure application: Measurements and model analyses. Proceedings of ASABE's 9th International Drainage Symposium. June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. Paper #201.<br /> Nelson, K., C. Meinhardt, and R. Smoot. 2009. Managed Drainage System for Crop Production. Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report. pp. 4-6.<br /> Nelson, K., C. Meinhardt, and R. Smoot. 2009. MU Drainage and Subirrigation (MUDS) Research Update. Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report. pp. 7-19.<br /> Salvucci, A.E., M. Elton, J.D. Siler, W. Zhang, B.K. Richards, L.D. Geohring, L.D. Warnick, A.G. Hay, and T.S. Steenhuis. 2010. The role of curli and cellulose in the transport and survival of Escherichia coli on a Central New York dairy farm. Proceedings of ASABE's 9th International Drainage Symposium. June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. Paper #161.<br /> <br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. IA (Iowa State University)- Matt Helmers The work on cover crops specifically modeling the impacts of cover crops on drainage and nitrate loss has helped to reveal some future research questions related to immobilization of nitrogen and subsequent availability for cash crops. Increased understanding of this questions would aid in developing nitrogen recommendations for producers that are using long-term cover crop systems.
2. IA (ARS National Soil Tilth Lab, Ames) - Dan Jaynes This research has quantified the potential water quality benefits from using fall-planted cover crops in Iowa and bioreactors for from removing nitrate from tile water.
3. Based on these observations, wood chip biofilters may be successful at removing significant quantities of NO3-N, and reducing NO3-N concentration from water moving to subsurface drainage at flow rates observed in central Iowa subsoil.
4. The presentation Potential water quality impact of drainage water management in the Midwest USA was made at ASABEs 9th International Drainage Symposium June 13-17, 2010, Quebec City, Canada. A presentation was given to national NRCS staff of Drainage Water Management in Ames on May 26. A presentation on nitrate reduction strategies including Drainage Water management and bioreactors was given at the NSF workshop Managing denitrification in human dominated landscapes in Boulder, CO on May 13. Two posters were presented on Drainage Water Management and bioreactors at the ARS Water Showcase in St Louis March 2. A presentation on results of the Iowa CIG project on drainage water management was given at the 10th Annual Draiange Research Forum in Ames, IA on November 10.
5. MI (Michigan State University) -Tim Harrigan. Contamination of surface and ground water from the land application of animal waste and biosolids is an immediate health threat. The results of this work will be used to develop best management practices for the land application of manure and biosolids on drained land or where seasonal high water tables exist. Some of the management practices that will protect water quality are: 1) pre-tillage to disrupt the continuity of macro-pores, 2) controlled (low) application rates, and 3) timing manure application rates to avoid application on wet ground, when tiles are flowing, or when there is a chance of significant rainfall (> 0.5 inches) within the next few days.
6. MN (University of Minnesota) - Jeff Strock. Research and accompanying extension/outreach education programs increased the understanding of the effect of controlled versus conventional drainage on drain outflow and nutrient loss. This research shows that there are practices with the potential to decrease drain outflow and nutrient losses under drained agricultural landscapes. In addition to on-going research, over 370 producers, agriculture professionals, and local, state and federal employees participated in field days and workshops on topics related to soil and water management and conservation and drainage water management research during 2009.
7. NY (Cornell University) - Larry Geohring. There is a need for more research regarding manure application impacts to tile drain discharges and to evaluate potential BMPs that might address these concerns. This work is being targeted to areas where water quality violations have previously occurred, providing stakeholders some assurance that the problem is being evaluated and addressed. The outreach activities have resulted in greater awareness of the potential water quality impacts of tile drain discharges, so producers and nutrient management planners are paying more attention to identifying vulnerable tile outlets and adjusting their manure application methods, rates and timing accordingly. About 125 people attended the various meetings and training sessions.
8. NCERA 207 Committee Impact Statements: 1. Activities and accomplishments on a state basis are listed within the station reports. 2. Impacts on a state basis are listed within most station reports. 3. Committee members were familiarized with research, education, and extension programs in other states, as well as the drainage research in many other countries. This is fostering collaborative relationships.

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Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

***Please see the attached Summary of Minutes file for full annual report in .pdf format.

Minutes of NCERA 217: Drainage Design and Management Practices to Improve Water Quality

Annual Meeting: June 7-9, 2011 at Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND, USA

Members present: Christopher Hay (SD), Larry Geohring (NY), Matt Helmers (IA), Dan Jaynes (IA), Eileen Kladivko (IN), Kelly Nelson (MO), Larry Brown (OH), Tim Harrigan (MI), Mohamed Youssef (NC), Xinhua Jia (ND), and Roxanne Johnson (ND).

Guests present: Paul Sweeney (USDA-NRCS, Bismarck, ND), Jerry Walker (USDA-NRCS- Fort Worth, TX), Thomas Scherer (NDSU, ND), Mark Dittrich (MDA, MN), Lyle Prunty (NDSU, ND), Sanjayan Satchithanantham (Manitoba, Canada), Marcos Cordeiro (Manitoba, Canada), Phil Algreen (Agri-Drain, IA), Bruce Shewfelt (Manitoba, Canada), Gary Feyereisen (USDA ARS, St. Paul, MN), Bill Schuh (ND State Water Commission, Bismarck, ND), Dean Steele (NDSU, ND), Jeppe Kjaersgaard (SD), Suman Shrestha (NDSU, ND), Frank Casey (NDSU, ND), and R. Sri Ranjan (Manitoba, Canada) on June 7. More guests were presented on the second day for the mini-symposium and field tour.

Members absent: Ramesh Kanwar (Admin. Advisor, IA), Richard Cooke (IL), Jane Frankenberger (IN), Wayne Skaggs (NC), Sam Kung (WI), Ken Staver (MD), Tammo Steenhuis (NY), Gary Sands (MN), and Jeff Strock (MN).

Call to Order at 1:00 pm, June 7, 2011:
Larry Geohring welcomed everyone and called the annual meeting of the NCERA 217 committee to order at 1:00 pm on June 7, 2011 at the Board Room of Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND, USA. Everyone present introduced themselves. Xinhua Jia was secretary and responsible for minutes of the current meeting and submission of the annual report.

USDA/NIFA Representative report:
Mary Ann Rozum was unable to attend, but called in at 1:16 pm through a speaker phone to the meeting room. She indicated that there was limited funding in USDA to attend this years meeting, but she might be able to attend the meeting next year. There were some changes in USDA/NIFA, and Dr. Young is the Interim Director. Mary Ann Rozum is now the program director for Water Sustainability and Climate. Currently the 406 grant for integrated water quality has its RFP, and the proposal is due on July 15. The next round RFP for NIFA will come out around July 1. There would be 30% drop in all USDA funding, and all earmark money would be gone in 2011. Hopefully, 2012 funding opportunity would be better. The CIG grant was also facing a 30% funding cut. There might be some funding left from previous years in some states to support controlled drainage research.

However, in the 406 grant, there was no immediate and direct mention of controlled drainage. Food safety program mentioned about pathogen survival from tile drainage and drainage water reused for irrigation. Water quality is part of food safety, so we could look to fit in. Integrate both science and education in a proposal. AFRI food safety RFP was released on May 25, and would be due in October. This years specific pathogen would be on salmonella. She encouraged this group to work with others to apply.

Drinking water and irrigation are all related to food safety. General AFRI program was about $0.5 million dollars size. Please call the program office to see if your project would fit into their program. Postdoc fellowship will be on next years RFP.

Administrative Advisor report:
Ramesh Kanwar was unable to attend the meeting, but called in at 1:40 pm. His comments are as follows:

Please express my sincere apologies to the group for my physical presence. I tried to get hold your two Deans (at NDSU) but both were busy and could not make these remarks for me. Please see their response below (at the end of this e-mail). My remarks would be as follows:
1. I welcome you all to the 2011 Annual NCERA 217 Committee meeting and wish you the very best on its outcome. This is a great group and enjoys working with each other. This group has many accomplishments this year including collaborative efforts on multi-million dollar NIFA grant funds.

2. This is one of the two best NCERA Committees and will encourage you to consider nominating this committee for Experiment Station Directors award for the best NCERA Committee of the year.

3. The committee minutes will be due in 60 days from today and need to be put on NIMMS website. Since I am likely to be in India around that time, I will encourage you to put directly on the NIMMS website and I can read and approve from India.

4. Finally, there is a friendly reminder that NCERA 217 will be undergoing midterm review by the NCRA this coming winter, 2012. Guidelines for a favorable can be found at http://ncra.info/MSR_MidtermReview.php. Please note that all materials for the mid-term review must be submitted no later than December 15, 2011 in order to allow the NCRA ample time to conduct the review. Make sure to highlight impacts of this committee.

Again, I have enjoyed serving as your administrative advisor since this committees inception and I wish you the very best in the future.

He further indicated that some members in this group are involved in a multi-million grant. This group was one of two best committees in the NCERA and should seek to be nominated for the BEST Experimental Station Directors Award. Meeting minute would be due in 60 days of the meeting (by August 7, 2011). Mid-term review for this committee would be due in December this year. If needed, a sub-committee should be formed to prepare for the report.

Business meeting #1:

Larry Geohring called to approve last years meeting minutes. Eileen Kladivko moved to approve, Kelly Nelson seconded a motion and all in favor to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
From October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2014, the NCERA 217 was approved for a five year term, so that USDA would have funding to support the participation through each states agricultural experiment station.

Reviewed NCERA 217 objectives:
1. Evaluate the integrated impact of drainage design, agronomic management practices and water quality, especially on nitrate.
2. Investigate water quality impacts from manure application on drained agricultural land.
3. Assess other aspects, such as salinity, feedstock production, bioenergy, and greenhouse gas production in drained agricultural lands.
4. Develop strategies to communicate between science and policy. (e.g., Such as extension publication on controlled drainage written by Jane F.)

Station Reports:
Station reports (see attached) were given by Eileen Kladivko (IN), Larry Brown (OH), Dan Jaynes (IA), Matt Helmers (IA), Kelly Nelson (MO), Roxanne Johnson (ND), Xinhua Jia (ND), Christopher Hay (SD), Mohamed Youssef (NC), and Larry Geohring (NY). Guests Bruce Shewfelt (Canada), and Sri Ranjan (Canada) also discussed the on-going controlled drainage research in Manitoba.

Red River Valley Mini-Symposia and Tour:

A mini-symposium and field tour to learn about drainage research and issues relevant to the Red River Valley Region was held on June 8 and 9. The included the following speakers and their topics:

1. Dave Dewald from ND NRCS presented Commonly asked tiling questions.
2. Ron Wiederholt from NDSU Carrington Experimental Center presented Farmer driven water quality management.
3. Han Kandel from NDSU Plant Sciences Department presented Agronomic benefit of tile drainage.
4. Frank Casey from NDSU Soil Sciences Department presented Monitoring subsurface drainage for estrogens from fields receiving manure.
5. Larry Luick from ND Richland County presented Drainage permitting status in ND.
6. Gary Feyereisen from USDA ARS St. Paul presented Manure application effects on tile drainage water quality.
7. Thomas Scherer from NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department presented Hydrology of field scale tile drainage in the RRV.
8. Corey Hansen from MN Red Lake Watershed District presented MN Red Lake Watershed tile drainage project.

On the tour, tour stops included visiting:

1. Controlled drainage and subirrigation research site at Zimmerman Farm in Glyndon, MN.
2. Hans Kandels controlled drainage agronomy research plots at north Fargo, ND.
3. Roxanne Johnsons water quality monitoring site in Casselton, ND.
4. Ron Wiederholts Discovery Farm at Embden, ND.

NRCS Representatives report:

Paul Sweeney and Jerry Walker reported on formation of an NRCS, Phase II, Drainage Water Management (DWM) Team. The objective of the team is to increased adoption and application of agricultural Drainage Water Management. The Team action plan can be found at their website (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/water.html). Seven key components of the plan include: communication, technology, training, policy, programs, wildlife habitat, and outcomes. A national summit on assessing state of DWM science and technology will be held in October. For this committee, possible collaborations would be on (1) sharing of DRAINMOD crop, weather, and soil input files; (2) review and discussion of drainage soil interpretations; (3) development of T25 values use of DRAINMOD on single counties in IA, WI, and MN for use with Skaggs lateral effects assessment tool; (4) tracking down available maps, reports, and databases for use in identifying potential focus areas; and (5) securing training recommendations, materials, courses, and instruction from academia, extension, and industry where appropriate.

Business meeting #2:

1. Secretary elected: Eileen Kladivko nominated Tim Harrigan from Michigan State University to be the next committee secretary. Larry Brown seconded. Dan Jaynes called to move forward and all were in favor of Tim to be the next secretary.

2. Next meeting place: possible in Michigan with some Canadian and industry involvement in that area. East Lansing has previously held an International Conference on Subirrigation and Controlled Drainage (in 1991) and some members were on a tour to visit some drainage and subirrigation sites at that time. It would be interesting to go back and visit those places. A dairy farm near the Ohio border was also mentioned as a possible tour site. ASABE has also met in Michigan before, and there were many good spots for a tour. Tim Harrigan and Xinhua Jia would finalize the next meeting details.

3. Meeting time: prefer last week of March or early April before the planting season starts. However, for some members with teaching appointment, it would be difficult to attend.

4. Midterm review: past chairs/vice chairs would put together the report using past and current annual reports. Need to emphasize the impact of this group, particularly on large grant generated by committee members.

5. Award nomination: any volunteers to help put together and submit the award nomination materials?

6. Collaboration on grant writing: it would be difficult for the entire committee to put together a project. However, each committee member is encouraged to form as a sub-group with geographic similarity, and proposal availability to work on a proposal.

7. ASABE standard: Gary Feyereisen indicated that Design, Installation and Operation of Water Table Management Systems for Subirrigation/Controlled Drainage in Humid Regions, ASAE EP479, is up for revision. This group would be asked to help.

The members of NCERA 217 thanked Larry Geohring, Xinhua Jia and other persons in ND for coordinating the meeting, the Red River Valley Drainage Mini-Symposium, and the tour.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 PM on June 9, 2011.

Respectfully Submitted:
Xinhua Jia
NCERA217 Secretary 2011

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Please click on the attached "Copy of Minutes" file for NCERA217's 2012/2013 annual report.

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See attached "Copy of Minutes" file for NCERA217's 2009-2014 termination report.

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