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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbus, Ohio » Soil Drainage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #141193
Title: RECYCLING OF RUNOFF AND DRAINAGE WATER IN THE MIDWEST U.S.

Author
item Fausey, Norman - Norm
item Allred, Barry
item BROWN, LARRY

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2002
Publication Date: 11/11/2002
Citation: FAUSEY, N.R., ALLRED, B.J., BROWN, L.C. RECYCLING OF RUNOFF AND DRAINAGE WATER IN THE MIDWEST U.S. AGRONOMY ABSTRACTS. 2002. CD-ROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: An innovative agricultural water management system has been developed and is being tested for reduction of nonpoint source pollution of surface water streams. The system includes a constructed wetland and a water storage reservoir linked to subsurface pipes used at different times to drain or irrigate the root zone. Runoff and subsurface drainage are collected in the wetland. Natural processes partially treat the water for removal of nutrients, pesticides, and sediment. Water is held in the reservoir until needed to irrigate crops or released to the stream to create additional treatment and storage capacity. The integration of the components allows the WRSIS to operate in a closed loop mode most of the time with water released outside the system only under controlled circumstances. Expected benefits include greater crop yields, additional wetland acres and wildlife habitat, decreased flooding potential downstream, more carbon sequestration, and reductions in the amount of nutrients, pesticides, and sediment discharged into local waterways. Construction costs for this type of system will need to be partially reimbursed through public funding to ensure the environmental benefits.