Field studies on controlled drainage and recycling irrigation drainage for reduction of nutrient loading from Arable land

1996 ◽  
Vol 33 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 333-339
Author(s):  
Maija Paasonen-Kivekäs ◽  
Tuomo Karvonen ◽  
Pertti Vakkilainen ◽  
Noor Sepahi ◽  
Jouko Kleemola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Loading ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Controlled Drainage ◽  
N Concentration ◽  
Field Evidence ◽  
Irrigation Drainage ◽  
Reference Areas

Three on-farm trials were established to evaluate the suitability of water table management for Finnish growing conditions. The sites differed in soil texture, topography and cultivation. Drainage control was managed through specific wells in collector pipes. In recycling, a reservoir stored drainage water discharging from the fields. This water was used for subirrigation through conventional drainage or a dual level irrigation-drainage system. Hydro-meteorological variables were monitored continuously and real time transfer of the data was carried out via radiolink and microcomputers. Quality of surface and subsurface waters was surveyed by manual sampling from the weirs, piezometers and reservoirs. Physical soil properties and mineral nitrogen (N) from several soil profiles were determined. Furthermore, above ground biomass, and N content and yield of crop were observed. In fine sand/loamy sand, subirrigation and controlled drainage raised groundwater table on average 80 cm compared to the reference areas. N concentration in the reservoirs declined significantly during May-August. Nitrogen in the piezometers and soil showed considerable spatial and temporal variation within a single field. Evidence of the relationship between groundwater level and N concentration was observed. However, no unique correlation from the existing data could be detected. N yield of cereals was 10–50% higher in the controlled drainage and subirrigation areas compared to the reference areas. Most of this extra N was allocated to grains and removed from the fields reducing N load into the environment.

Effect of controlled drainage and tillage on soil structure and tile drainage nitrate loss at the field scale

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 103-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Tan ◽  
C. F. Drury ◽  
M. Soultani ◽  
I. J. van Wesenbeeck ◽  
H. Y. F. Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Structure ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Tile Drainage ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Controlled Drainage ◽  
Nitrate Loss ◽  
Free Drainage

Conservation tillage has become an attractive form of agricultural management practices for corn and soybean production on heavy textured soil in southern Ontario because of the potential for improving soil quality. A controlled drainage system combined with conservation tillage practices has also been reported to improve water quality. In Southwestern Ontario, field scale on farm demonstration sites were established in a paired watershed (no-tillage vs. conventional tillage) on clay loam soil to study the effect of tillage system on soil structure and water quality. The sites included controlled drainage and free drainage systems to monitor their effect on nitrate loss in the tile drainage water. Soil structure, organic matter content and water storage in the soil profile were improved with no-tillage (NT) compared to conventional tillage (CT). No-tillage also increased earthworm populations. No-tillage was found to have higher tile drainage volume and nitrate loss which were attributed to an increase in soil macropores from earthworm activity. The controlled drainage system (CD) reduced nitrate loss in tile drainage water by 14% on CT site and 25.5% on NT site compared to the corresponding free drainage system (DR) from May, 1995 to April 30, 1997. No-tillage farming practices are definitely enhanced by using a controlled drainage system for preventing excessive nitrate leaching through tile drainage. Average soybean yields for CT site were about 12 to 14% greater than the NT site in 1995 and 1996. However, drainage systems had very little effect on soybean yields in 1995 and 1996 due to extremely dry growing seasons.

scholarly journals Impact of Controlled Drainage and Subirrigation on Water Quality in the Red River Valley

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Kristen Almen ◽  
Xinhua Jia ◽  
Thomas DeSutter ◽  
Thomas Scherer ◽  
Minglian Lin
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Red River ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Controlled Drainage ◽  
Red River Valley ◽  
The Impact

The potential impact of controlled drainage (CD), which limits drainage outflow, and subirrigation (SI), which provides supplemental water through drain tile, on surface water quality are not well known in the Red River Valley (RRV). In this study, water samples were collected and analyzed for chemical concentrations from a tile-drained field that also has controlled drainage and subirrigation modes in the RRV of southeastern North Dakota from 2012–2018. A decreasing trend in overall nutrient load loss was observed because of reduced drainage outflow, though some chemical concentrations were found to be above the recommended surface water quality standards in this region. For example, sulfate was recommended to be below 750 mg/L but was reported at a mean value of 1971 mg/L during spring free drainage. The chemical composition of the subirrigation water was shown to have an impact on drainage water and the soil, specifically on salinity-related parameters, and the impact varied between years. This variation largely depended on the amount of subirrigation applied, soil moisture, and soil properties. Overall, the results of this study show the benefits of controlled drainage on nutrient loss reduction from agricultural fields.

Evaluation of tephra for removing phosphorus from dairy farm drainage waters

Soil Research ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 542 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Hanly ◽  
M. J. Hedley ◽  
D. J. Horne
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Removal Efficiency ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Drainage Systems ◽  
P Adsorption ◽  
Drainage Waters ◽  
P Removal

Research was conducted in the Manawatu region, New Zealand, to investigate the ability of Papakai tephra to remove phosphorus (P) from dairy farm mole and pipe drainage waters. The capacity of this tephra to adsorb P was quantified in the laboratory using a series of column experiments and was further evaluated in a field study. In a column experiment, the P adsorption capabilities of 2 particle size factions (0.25–1, 1–2 mm) of Papakai tephra were compared with that of an Allophanic Soil (Patua soil) known to have high P adsorption properties. The experiment used a synthetic P influent solution (12 mg P/L) and a solution residence time in the columns of c. 35 min. By the end of the experiment, the 0.25–1 mm tephra removed an estimated 2.6 mg P/g tephra at an average P removal efficiency of 86%. The 1–2 mm tephra removed 1.6 mg P/g tephra at an average removal efficiency of 58%. In comparison, the Patua soil removed 3.1 mg P/g soil at a P removal efficiency of 86%. Although, the Patua soil was sieved to 1–2 mm, this size range consisted of aggregates of finer particles, which is likely to have contributed to this material having a higher P adsorbing capacity. A field study was established on a Pallic Soil, under grazed dairy pastures, to compare drainage water P concentrations from standard mole and pipe drainage systems (control) and drainage systems incorporating Papakai tephra. The 2 tephra treatments involved filling mole channels with 1–4 mm tephra (Mole-fill treatment) or filling the trench above intercepting drainage pipes with ‘as received’ tephra (Back-fill treatment). Over an entire winter drainage season, the quantity of total P (TP) lost from the control treatment drainage system was 0.30 kg P/ha. The average TP losses for the Mole-fill and the Back-fill treatments were 45% and 47% lower than the control treatment, respectively.

scholarly journals The Impact of Water Loss by Evaporation and Calcite Precipitation on the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and an Alternative Method of Estimating the SAR of Irrigation Drainage Water

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiyu Zhou ◽  
William Bleam ◽  
Douglas Soldat
Keyword(s):  
Hazard Assessment ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Sodium Adsorption Ratio ◽  
Calcite Precipitation ◽  
Water Composition ◽  
Soluble Calcium ◽  
Irrigation Drainage ◽  
The Impact

Soil water loss by evaporation influences the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of irrigation drainage water. Evaporation concentrates sodium and magnesium but calcite precipitation has a more complicated effect on soluble calcium and alkalinity. Here we propose a revised sodicity hazard assessment that quantifies the impact of evaporative water loss and calcite precipitation on drainage water SAR. This paper shows sodicity hazard is determined by the initial composition of irrigation water as originally suggested by previous researchers, and provide a simple, accurate way to identify the potential sodicity hazard of any irrigation water. In particular, the initial equivalent concentration of alkalinity and calcium determine the salinization pathway followed during evaporation. If the irrigation water alkalinity exceeds soluble calcium expressed as equivalent concentrations, drainage water SAR approaches an upper limit determined by the initial relative concentration of sodium and magnesium. If irrigation water alkalinity is less than soluble calcium, drainage water SAR approaches a lower limit determined by the initial calcium, magnesium and sodium. In both cases the SAR is scaled by the square root of the concentration factor √Fc quantifying soil water loss. To assess the impact of evaporation and calcite precipitation on the SAR and test the accuracy of the new sodicity hazard assessment, we evaluated data from previously published lysimeter studies. We plotted water composition boundaries for each source water, comparing these boundaries to the drainage water composition recorded in the lysimeter studies. As salinity increased by evaporation, each drainage water followed a distinct salinization path.

Effects of Controlled Drainage on Water Table Recession Rate

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 813-821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samaneh Saadat ◽  
Laura Bowling ◽  
Jane Frankenberger ◽  
Kyle Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Water Table ◽  
Subsurface Drainage ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Optimal Operation ◽  
Rainfall Event ◽  
Controlled Drainage ◽  
Recession Rate ◽  
Watershed Approach ◽  
Recession Rates ◽  
Paired Watershed

Abstract. Controlled drainage is a best management practice that decreases nitrate loads from subsurface drainage, but questions remain about optimal operation strategies. One unanswered question is whether the outlet should be lowered prior to or directly after a rainfall event to reduce the amount of time that the water table is at a level that would be detrimental to either trafficability or crop yield. The objective of this study was to determine how much controlled drainage lengthens the time needed for the water table to fall after a rainfall event, to inform possible improvement in the management of controlled drainage systems. This objective was addressed using water table recession rates from two pairs of controlled and free-draining fields located at the Davis Purdue Agricultural Center in Indiana over a period of nine years (2006-2014). At each pair, comparison of mean recession rates from the two fields indicated that controlled drainage reduced recession rate. The significance of the relationship between paired observations and the effect of controlled drainage was determined by a paired watershed approach using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA). Raising the outlet of the subsurface drainage system decreased the mean rate of water table recession by 29% to 62%, increasing the time needed for the water table level to fall from the surface to 30 and 60 cm depths by approximately 12 to 26 h and 24 to 53 h, respectively. Based on these results, it can be concluded that lowering the outlet before storm events would reduce the amount of time that the water table is at a detrimental level for either crop growth or trafficability. However, the trade-off between costs and benefits of active management depends on the sensitivity of the crop and probability of a severe storm. Keywords: Drainage water management, Managed drainage, Paired watershed approach, Tile drainage, Water table drawdown.

scholarly journals Policy-Driven Sustainable Saline Drainage Disposal and Forage Production in the Western San Joaquin Valley of California

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6362
Author(s):  
Amninder Singh ◽  
Nigel W. T. Quinn ◽  
Sharon E. Benes ◽  
Florence Cassel
Keyword(s):  
Root Zone ◽  
Subsurface Drainage ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Agricultural Drainage ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Tall Wheatgrass ◽  
San Joaquin River ◽  
Agricultural Drainage Water ◽  
Irrigation Drainage ◽  
Root Zone Salinity

Environmental policies to address water quality impairments in the San Joaquin River of California have focused on the reduction of salinity and selenium-contaminated subsurface agricultural drainage loads from westside sources. On 31 December 2019, all of the agricultural drainage from a 44,000 ha subarea on the western side of the San Joaquin River basin was curtailed. This policy requires the on-site disposal of all of the agricultural drainage water in perpetuity, except during flooding events, when emergency drainage to the River is sanctioned. The reuse of this saline agricultural drainage water to irrigate forage crops, such as ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass and alfalfa, in a 2428 ha reuse facility provides an economic return on this pollutant disposal option. Irrigation with brackish water requires careful management to prevent salt accumulation in the crop root zone, which can impact forage yields. The objective of this study was to optimize the sustainability of this reuse facility by maximizing the evaporation potential while achieving cost recovery. This was achieved by assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of the root zone salinity in selected fields of ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass and alfalfa in the drainage reuse facility, some of which have been irrigated with brackish subsurface drainage water for over fifteen years. Electromagnetic soil surveys using an EM-38 instrument were used to measure the spatial variability of the salinity in the soil profile. The tall wheatgrass fields were irrigated with higher salinity water (1.2–9.3 dS m−1) compared to the fields of alfalfa (0.5–6.5 dS m−1). Correspondingly, the soil salinity in the tall wheatgrass fields was higher (12.5 dS m−1–19.3 dS m−1) compared to the alfalfa fields (8.97 dS m−1–14.4 dS m−1) for the years 2016 and 2017. Better leaching of salts was observed in the fields with a subsurface drainage system installed (13–1 and 13–2). The depth-averaged root zone salinity data sets are being used for the calibration of the transient hydro-salinity computer model CSUID-ID (a one-dimensional version of the Colorado State University Irrigation Drainage Model). This user-friendly decision support tool currently provides a useful framework for the data collection needed to make credible, field-scale salinity budgets. In time, it will provide guidance for appropriate leaching requirements and potential blending decisions for sustainable forage production. This paper shows the tie between environmental drainage policy and the role of local governance in the development of sustainable irrigation practices, and how well-directed collaborative field research can guide future resource management.

scholarly journals Designing catchment area for water resources management in ITS campus

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. 05002
Author(s):  
Joni Hermana ◽  
Irhamah ◽  
Dian Saptarini ◽  
Tatas
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Catchment Area ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
High Level

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Campus, with the area of 167.4 Ha, is located within Surabaya coastal region in the eastern part of Java Island. It has initial characteristic with wetlands and swamps ecosystem. As a science and technological university, with the main acitivities in teaching, experimental laboratory works, and student activities, ITS is, currently, using ± 49% of its total vast area as building blocks for supporting academic facilities. Being a campus in a coastal zone, the commonly main problems are high porous soil, brackish surface water, high level of ground water, an obstructed drainage tendency because of delicate slant, and low catchment capability. This paper provides an action program on how ITS manage water resources within campus area in order to suppress environmental damage. Many steps had been taken into account for water catchment role, for instance: maintaining the catchment area on the main ITS master plan, planning catchment pond, surface water stabilization by preventing ground water usage, interrupting drainage water flow as being directly discharged into the city drainage system, rain water harvesting, and also designing floating floor for buildings.

Land Cover/Use Analysis of Prespa National Park, Greece

1986 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Karteris ◽  
Myrto Pyrovetsi
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
National Park ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Wet Meadows ◽  
Waterbird Species ◽  
Irrigation Drainage

Prespa National Park in Greece is an important breeding-area for rare and endangered waterbird species, but people living within the Park and using its resources create serious conservation problems. An environmental management plan which will regulate mainly the human activities within the Park is therefore necessary. Such a plan should be based on a land cover/use analysis of the area, for which much of the necessary information, in the form of a thematic map, has been collected by interpreting blackand-white aerial photographs. The procedure involved the development of a classification system, transferring the interpreted data onto a base-map, field-checking the results, and tabulating the area measurements with the pertinent errors.Of the total Park area (25,690 ha), 66.5% is classified as terrestrial (forestland, rangeland, agricultural land whether irrigated, non-irrigated, or abandoned, wet meadows/marshland, barren and eroded land, and urban areas), and the remainder as aquatic (water, reedbeds). The most extensive category in the Park is forestland, much of which is seriously degraded. Rangeland provides forage for sheep and goats, being also degraded owing to uncontrolled grazing. Wet meadows/marshland are invaluable as waterbird breeding and feeding habitats, but the present use of this category as grazing fields, and its proximity to agricultural land and to the existing irrigation/drainage system, have all had negative impacts on the resource. Irrigated land is almost half of the cultivated area.The abandoned agricultural land is interspersed within the forestland and is a result of the human population decline in the area, while barren and eroded land has resulted from prolonged land misuse. Twelve old villages are distributed over the Park, being visually unobtrusive. Lake Mikri Prespa is the main water-body and covers almost the entire nucleus of the Park. Extensive reedbeds are found along the lakeshores, which are the main breeding habitats of certain waterbirds. As land cover/use analysis of the Park has shown much serious environmental degradation, conservation measures should be undertaken urgently.

scholarly journals Economic assessment of an integrated drainage management system for a regional irrigation-drainage network

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 799-807
Author(s):  
Dimitris Gotsis ◽  
Spyros Giakoumakis
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Irrigation District ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Agricultural Drainage ◽  
Drainage Network ◽  
Irrigation Drainage ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Tolerance To Salinity

Abstract The disposal of the excessive volume of degraded water coming from agricultural drainage systems is a serious environmental and economic issue, since a significant load of agrochemicals and salts contaminates water bodies downstream. An integrated on-farm drainage management (IFDM) system is an effective method of treatment by successively irrigating zones with drainage water. Each zone is cultivated with crops that have increasing tolerance to salinity, so that the drainage water effluents are minimized to an extent that the final drainage water volume is collected into an evaporation pond. The methodology of the system is proposed herein for a regional irrigation-drainage network (E1 in Agoulinitsa irrigation district in western Greece) as a method of reducing the disposal of agrochemicals in the coastal environment. Based on the design principles of an IFDM system, both the surface area of every irrigation zone and the costs of installing and operating the system are assessed. A scenario regarding the volume of drainage water that must be treated is examined as a sensitivity analysis. The results show that almost 15% of the cultivated area must be bounded for non-productive uses, resulting in a significant economic impact on the net present value of the investment.

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