Preliminary results from agricultural drainage water management CIG projects on Ohio

Authors: Fausey, Norman; BROWN, LARRY - The Ohio State University; GHANE, EHSAN - The Ohio State University; GUNN, KPOTI - The Ohio State University; SHANG, YUHUI - The Ohio State University; SHEDEKAR, VINAYAK - The Ohio State University

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/8/2011
Publication Date: 7/18/2011
Citation: Fausey, N.R., Brown, L., Ghane, E., Gunn, K., Shang, Y., Shedekar, V. 2011. Preliminary results from agricultural drainage water management CIG projects on Ohio [abstract]. Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Field demonstrations were monitored to compare the crop yields, drainage discharge, and nutrient loadings to streams from managed and unmanaged subsurface drainage systems. Paired drainage systems within the same field, under similar soil, area, cropping, and management conditions, were identified. Eight fields in 6 different counties in northwest Ohio were identified. In each field, one system was managed with a free, unrestricted outlet while the other system was managed during the growing season and the non-growing season by elevating the outlet to restrict drainage outflow; but the outlet was unrestricted in preparation for and during planting and harvesting seasons. Farmers provided management records and georeferenced yields. Water elevation in the outlet control structures was recorded and used to calculate the drainage volume discharged from each outlet. Soluble N and P concentrations were determined on occasional grab samples of the discharge water. The preliminary analyses of the data indicate: no gain or loss in yield due to drainage water management; reduction in flow volume and nutrient loadings to receiving waters due to drainage water management.