Progress 12/22/06 to 12/21/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The overall project goal focuses on improving subsurface drainage water management systems (DWMS), particularly those employing controlled drainage practices, which will be used throughout the Midwest U.S., to provide both environmental and economic benefits. Accomplishing this goal requires an integrated research program that leads to enhanced controlled drainage operational strategies, improvement of DWMS design, development of flooding tolerant crop cultivars, and innovation in agricultural water treatment technologies. Specific objectives include: 1) Develop a knowledge base that will provide useful insight for improving controlled drainage operational strategies so as to maximize environmental and economic benefits. 2) Collect field data that will offer useful insight on proper DWMS design (particularly for controlled drainage systems), and then conduct a computer modeling investigation to determine the best controlled drainage design criteria and operational strategies that provide environmental and economic benefits. 3) Develop flooding stress tolerant soybean cultivars that are better adapted to Midwest U.S. DWMS wet soil conditions. 4) Develop constructed wetland and other water treatment technologies that can be integrated with DWMS to reduce nutrient and pesticide losses from cropland and turf environments. Approach (from AD-416): Conduct plot studies to quantify the subsurface drainage effects of three outlet control structure weir elevations and a scenario in which the outlet control structure weir height is gradually lowered. Conduct producer operated, field scale comparisons between open, unrestricted versus controlled subsurface drainage systems. Determine the effects of controlled drainage versus open, unrestricted drainage on surface runoff. Determine the soil quality effects of controlled drainage verses open, unrestricted drainage. Perform laboratory tests and field investigations to quantify processes affecting nitrate mobility in low permeability Midwest U.S. soils that typically require artificial subsurface drainage. Conduct plot studies to evaluate different subsurface drainage system infrastructure characteristics for the purpose of improving DWMS design criteria. Using data collected from different Midwest U.S. field locations, calibrate and verify computer models capable of simulating DWMS flow, water quality, and crop yield responses. If necessary, modify the computer program used to develop the computer models. Screen soybean cultivars of diverse origins for flooding stress tolerance and employ quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on the most promising cultivars in order to locate genes on the genetic linkage map that are responsible for flooding stress tolerance. Develop transgenic soybeans with improved flooding tolerance and then verify their flooding tolerance. For three constructed wetlands, assess present water treatment effectiveness along with vegetation/wildlife function and then evaluate, on the same basis, improvement modifications. Perform laboratory tests to screen novel filter materials for ability to remove nitrate and atrazine from drainage water. If an effective and efficient filter material is isolated in the laboratory, a field pilot test will follow. Evaluate the ability of commercially available filter materials to absorb or bind nutrients and pesticides present in tile drainage water from an urban turf environment. This is the final report for project 3604-13000-008-00D, which was terminated 12/21/2011 and replaced with 3604-13000-010-00D. Substantial results were realized over the 5 years of the project. A field research facility in northwest Ohio was fully instrumented to compare controlled (restricted) subsurface drainage versus conventional, unrestricted subsurface drainage with respect to differences in crop yield, discharged drainage water quality, drainage water discharge volume, and shallow water table response. Eight on-farm paired sites were established and will be used over the next 5 years to document the hydrologic and crop yield responses to seasonal drainage water management. Data were obtained from replicated runoff plots to determine the effect of controlled subsurface drainage on surface runoff. Soil profile compaction and electrical conductivity data has been tabulated at five field locations for determining soil quality impacts of controlled drainage practices. Laboratory tests have quantified the impact on nitrate mobility in unsaturated soil due to factors that impact the magnitude of the anion exclusion effect. Working with scientists in Vietnam, determined and published that use of the screenhouse test method is cost effective and less seasonally dependent for testing flooding tolerance of soybean germplasm. Then used this method to test 21 soybean germplasm from Southeast Asia and found three lines identified as VND2, Nam Vang, and ATF15-1 with superior flooding tolerance. Transgenic soybean containing the flood tolerance SAG12:IPT transgene were generated by the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation technique. The goal was to identify the seeds that were homozygous for the transgene, produce more seeds from them and test these plants for flooding tolerance. Did not proceed that far with the SAG12:IPT transgenic plants because extensive testing of T3 plants could not identify transgenic plants. The transgene appeared unstable and was eliminated. Additionally, the influence of wetland type, hydrology, and wetland destruction on aquatic communities was examined at the three northwest Ohio WRSIS sites for development of WRSIS wetland design and management criteria based on providing improved habitat for aquatic vertebrates. A laboratory testing program isolated several iron- based filter materials capable of removing nutrients (nitrate/phosphate), pesticides, and trace elements from agricultural waters. Substantial progress was made on investigating the use of various industrial byproducts as filter media. The development and testing of filter systems that permit larger flow rates should be explored.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Smiley, P.C., Allred, B.J. 2011. Differences in aquatic communities between wetlands created by an agricultural water recycling system. Wetlands Ecology and Management. 19:495-505.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall project goal focuses on improving subsurface drainage water management systems (DWMS), particularly those employing controlled drainage practices, which will be used throughout the Midwest U.S., to provide both environmental and economic benefits. Accomplishing this goal requires an integrated research program that leads to enhanced controlled drainage operational strategies, improvement of DWMS design, development of flooding tolerant crop cultivars, and innovation in agricultural water treatment technologies. Specific objectives include: 1) Develop a knowledge base that will provide useful insight for improving controlled drainage operational strategies so as to maximize environmental and economic benefits. 2) Collect field data that will offer useful insight on proper DWMS design (particularly for controlled drainage systems), and then conduct a computer modeling investigation to determine the best controlled drainage design criteria and operational strategies that provide environmental and economic benefits. 3) Develop flooding stress tolerant soybean cultivars that are better adapted to Midwest U.S. DWMS wet soil conditions. 4) Develop constructed wetland and other water treatment technologies that can be integrated with DWMS to reduce nutrient and pesticide losses from cropland and turf environments. Approach (from AD-416) Conduct plot studies to quantify the subsurface drainage effects of three outlet control structure weir elevations and a scenario in which the outlet control structure weir height is gradually lowered. Conduct producer operated, field scale comparisons between open, unrestricted versus controlled subsurface drainage systems. Determine the effects of controlled drainage versus open, unrestricted drainage on surface runoff. Determine the soil quality effects of controlled drainage verses open, unrestricted drainage. Perform laboratory tests and field investigations to quantify processes affecting nitrate mobility in low permeability Midwest U.S. soils that typically require artificial subsurface drainage. Conduct plot studies to evaluate different subsurface drainage system infrastructure characteristics for the purpose of improving DWMS design criteria. Using data collected from different Midwest U.S. field locations, calibrate and verify computer models capable of simulating DWMS flow, water quality, and crop yield responses. If necessary, modify the computer program used to develop the computer models. Screen soybean cultivars of diverse origins for flooding stress tolerance and employ quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on the most promising cultivars in order to locate genes on the genetic linkage map that are responsible for flooding stress tolerance. Develop transgenic soybeans with improved flooding tolerance and then verify their flooding tolerance. For three constructed wetlands, assess present water treatment effectiveness along with vegetation/wildlife function and then evaluate, on the same basis, improvement modifications. Perform laboratory tests to screen novel filter materials for ability to remove nitrate and atrazine from drainage water. If an effective and efficient filter material is isolated in the laboratory, a field pilot test will follow. Evaluate the ability of commercially available filter materials to absorb or bind nutrients and pesticides present in tile drainage water from an urban turf environment. 1a - Monitoring of water quality, water flow, water level, and crop yield continues at the Defiance Agricultural Research Association (DARA) field experimental site in Defiance County, Ohio. The data collected is then stored on a computer database and analyzed. Over the past year, two of the test plots were operated in controlled drainage mode, while conventional, unrestricted drainage practices were used at the other two test plots. 1b - Drainage flow data, drainage water samples, and crop yields from free drainage and managed drainage treatments were obtained at 8 paired field sites on privately owned farms in Northwest Ohio. 1c - Surface and subsurface flows were measured from 8 small research plots in response to natural precipitation and soil thawing conditions with 4 plots in free drainage mode and 4 plots in drainage water management mode. Data analysis partially completed. 1d � Soil profile compaction and electrical conductivity data has been tabulated at five field locations for preparation of manuscripts. 1e� Laboratory data has been tabulated for preparation of manuscripts documenting the impact on nitrate anion exclusion due to soil moisture conditions and the amounts of clay and organic matter present. 2a - Progress is the same as described in Subobjective 1a for the DARA field experimental site. 2b - No progress. 3a - Genetic loci associated with adventitious root development and root growth in response to flooding were mapped in the PI408105A x S99-2281 cross-bred population. Tolerance of soybean to Mn associated with flooded soil is being studied in the growth chamber. 3b - T2 seeds of transgenic plants containing the flood tolerant candidate genes MYB-XET, MYB-GLB1, and 35S-GLB1 are being produced. 4a - An Ohio State University Extension Bulletin is presently being compiled, which will synthesize research conducted at Ohio Wetland Reservoir Subirrigation System (WRSIS) sites, document WRSIS benefits, and provide guidelines for WRSIS design and management. A peer review manuscript describing aquatic community differences between WRSIS wetlands and WRSIS reservoirs has been submitted and is under review. Additionally, a technical report synthesizing four years of fish, amphibian, and reptile research within WRSIS wetlands and reservoirs is near completion. 4b - Laboratory hydraulic conductivity tests, contaminant removal batch tests, and saturated solute transport column experiments have documented the feasibility of using iron based filter materials to remove arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and selenium from water. Laboratory testing was carried out to evaluate the hydraulic efficiency of a small- scale filter treatment system containing a porous iron composite material. 4c- Progress continues on the field scale installation and testing of various industrial byproducts as filter media. Current efforts are focused on development and testing of delivery systems that permit larger flow rates to be filtered. Accomplishments 01 Less drainage, more corn. Drainage water from agricultural lands, especially subsurface (tile) drainage water, carries nutrients that impa downstream water uses. Farmers can manage the drainage system outlet to reduce the amount of water and nutrients delivered off the fields during the non-growing season. Using this same technology to minimize nutrient and water loss during the growing season, ARS scientists at Columbus, OH in cooperation with Ohio State University scientists, have shown corn yield increase in 66 percent of the fields where this management was applied over a three year trial. This increase in corn yield is expected to encourage more producers to adopt drainage water management and reduc water and nutrient delivery from agricultural fields. This will benefit the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, and Lake Erie along with numerous municipal water supply reservoirs. NRCS is using this information to develop a strategy to promote adoption of this practice by farmers. 02 Antenna orientation affects ground penetrating radar drainage pipe response. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive and efficient subsurface drainage water management tool that is potentially useful to farmers and land improvement contractors for finding buried agricultural drainage pipes and evaluating their functionality. ARS scientists at Columbus, Ohio conducted a field study to determine the GP pipe response effects due to the GPR antenna orientation relative to dra line directional trend. Under dry soil conditions, a GPR antenna orientation perpendicular to the drain line was found to provide the bes GPR drainage pipe response, while conversely, under wet soil conditions, GPR antenna orientation parallel to a drain line provided the best GPR drainage pipe response. This information can be employed to optimize GPR field survey procedures, based on shallow hydrologic conditions, for the purpose of improving GPR drainage pipe location and functionality assessment capabilities. This technology is beginning to be used in the turf industry especially to locate drains on golf courses. 03 Improving soybean yield in intermittently wet soil. Soybean yield is severely impacted by flooding stress and Phytophthora root rot when soil become saturated. ARS scientists at Columbus, Ohio, identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) and DNA markers associated with these trai in the soybean population developed by crossing a commercial soybean variety with a tolerant non-commercial soybean line. The results indicat that these two traits are independently inherited and that PI408105A provides valuable gene pools for both flooding tolerance and Phytophthor resistance. The identification of these DNA markers provides an importan starting point for transferring and pyramiding genes to develop new soybean varieties that could contribute to improvement of soybean productivity in soils prone to flooding. 04 Altering soybean seed composition by flooding stress. To profile the changes in soybean seed composition due to flooding stress, ARS scientis in Columbus, Ohio, conducted a study with eight soybean genotypes that differed in levels of flooding tolerance. The results showed that floodi did not significantly affect seed protein, oil or palmitic acid, but increased oleic acid and stearic acid levels in all genotypes. The level of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein wer significantly reduced in the tolerant and medium tolerant genotypes, but increased in the susceptible genotype. The results provide information t breeders for modeling soybean seed composition traits under flooding, a stress condition that is predicted to occur more frequently due to globa climate changes. 05 Iron based filter materials remove the heavy metals arsenic (As), cadmiu (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) from wate Farm field municipal sewage sludge and wastewater applications along wi arid region crop irrigation practices can each lead to the presence of heavy metals in surface runoff and subsurface drainage waters, which are then discharged into local streams, rivers and lakes. ARS scientists at Columbus, Ohio, conducted a laboratory study to evaluate the heavy metal removal capabilities of four iron based filter materials. Results indica that each of the four iron based filter materials can remove some or mos of these contaminants present in water. Consequently, filter systems containing iron based materials are an option for field removal of heavy metals found in agricultural surface runoff and subsurface drainage wate thereby providing an environmental benefit to the public. 06 Filtering subsurface drainage waters using industrial by-products. Exce nutrients and pesticides in drainage waters degrade surface water qualit Treatment of these affected waters for public distribution, commercial a recreational use can be costly. Capture of these contaminants prior to surface water entry is a viable solution to maintain cleaner water downstream. ARS scientists in Columbus, Ohio, tested the use of industri byproducts in filters to reduce contaminant loads in subsurface drainage waters. The byproducts proved effective, inexpensive, and their use has potential to reduce the waste stream of several industries including the cement and steel making industries. Thus, the beneficiaries of this research include downstream water users and industry. Several commerical entities have expressed interest in this technology.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Plappally, A., Soboyejo, A., Fausey, N.R., Soboyejo, W., Brown, L. 2010. Stochastic modeling of filtrate alkalinity in water filtration devices: Transport through micro/nano porous clay based ceramic materials. Journal of Natural and Environmental Science. 1(2):96-105.
- Vantoai, T.T., Tran, T., Nguyen, N., Nguyen, H., Shannon, G., Rahman, M.A. 2010. Flooding tolerance of soybean (Glycine max) germplasm from southeast Asia under field and screen-house environment. Open Agriculture Journal. 4:38-46.
- Allred, B.J. 2011. Location and assessment of drainage pipes beneath farm fields and golf course greens using ground penetrating radar: A research summary. Fast Times: News for the Near Surface Geophysical Sciences. 15(4) :49-55.
- Allred, B.J., Freeland, R.S. 2011. Application of geophysical methods to agriculture: An overview. Fast Times: News for the Near Surface Geophysical Sciences. 15(4):13-25.
- Allred, B.J., Butnor, J., Corwin, D.L., Eigenberg, R.A., Farahani, H., Johnsen, K., Lambot, S., McInnis, D., Pettinelli, E., Samuelson, L., Woodbury, B.L. 2011. Agricultural Geophysics. In: Turk, A.S., Hocaoglu, A. K., Vertiy. A.A. (eds.) Subsurface Sensing. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Australia. 618-643.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall project goal focuses on improving subsurface drainage water management systems (DWMS), particularly those employing controlled drainage practices, which will be used throughout the Midwest U.S., to provide both environmental and economic benefits. Accomplishing this goal requires an integrated research program that leads to enhanced controlled drainage operational strategies, improvement of DWMS design, development of flooding tolerant crop cultivars, and innovation in agricultural water treatment technologies. Specific objectives include: 1) Develop a knowledge base that will provide useful insight for improving controlled drainage operational strategies so as to maximize environmental and economic benefits. 2) Collect field data that will offer useful insight on proper DWMS design (particularly for controlled drainage systems), and then conduct a computer modeling investigation to determine the best controlled drainage design criteria and operational strategies that provide environmental and economic benefits. 3) Develop flooding stress tolerant soybean cultivars that are better adapted to Midwest U.S. DWMS wet soil conditions. 4) Develop constructed wetland and other water treatment technologies that can be integrated with DWMS to reduce nutrient and pesticide losses from cropland and turf environments. Approach (from AD-416) Conduct plot studies to quantify the subsurface drainage effects of three outlet control structure weir elevations and a scenario in which the outlet control structure weir height is gradually lowered. Conduct producer operated, field scale comparisons between open, unrestricted versus controlled subsurface drainage systems. Determine the effects of controlled drainage versus open, unrestricted drainage on surface runoff. Determine the soil quality effects of controlled drainage verses open, unrestricted drainage. Perform laboratory tests and field investigations to quantify processes affecting nitrate mobility in low permeability Midwest U.S. soils that typically require artificial subsurface drainage. Conduct plot studies to evaluate different subsurface drainage system infrastructure characteristics for the purpose of improving DWMS design criteria. Using data collected from different Midwest U.S. field locations, calibrate and verify computer models capable of simulating DWMS flow, water quality, and crop yield responses. If necessary, modify the computer program used to develop the computer models. Screen soybean cultivars of diverse origins for flooding stress tolerance and employ quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on the most promising cultivars in order to locate genes on the genetic linkage map that are responsible for flooding stress tolerance. Develop transgenic soybeans with improved flooding tolerance and then verify their flooding tolerance. For three constructed wetlands, assess present water treatment effectiveness along with vegetation/wildlife function and then evaluate, on the same basis, improvement modifications. Perform laboratory tests to screen novel filter materials for ability to remove nitrate and atrazine from drainage water. If an effective and efficient filter material is isolated in the laboratory, a field pilot test will follow. Evaluate the ability of commercially available filter materials to absorb or bind nutrients and pesticides present in tile drainage water from an urban turf environment. 1a- Progress at the Defiance Agricultural Research Association (DARA) field research site is described in detail within the AD-421 for Project 3604-13000-008-14S. DARA site water quality, water flow, water level, and crop yield data continue being collected, stored on a computer database, and analyzed. Over the past year, two of the test plots were operated in controlled drainage mode, while conventional, unrestricted drainage practices were being used at the other two test plots. 1b- Drainage flow data, drainage water samples, and crop yields from free drainage and managed drainage treatments were obtained at 8 paired field sites on privately owned farms. 1c- Surface and subsurface flows were measured from 8 small research plots in response to controlled rainfall/irrigation when operated in both free drainage and drainage water management modes. 1d� Cone penetrometer surveys have been carried out at three additional sites in order to evaluate drainage water management impacts on soil compaction. 1e� Insufficient funds did not allow the installation of instrumented field test plots to study nitrate transport processes in soil. However, laboratory investigations continue with regard to quantifying nitrate transport processes in soil. 2a- Progress is the same as described in Subobjective 1a for the DARA field research site. 2b� A lack of operational funds did not allow a masters or doctoral student to be hired for the purpose of conducting computer hydrologic simulation research. 3a� Characterization of the recombinant inbred (RI) population S99-2281 x PI 408105A with over one thousand DNA markers was completed. Genetic loci associated with tolerance of field flooding and Phytophthora root rot disease have been identified. Testing of the RI population S99- 2281 x PI 408105A for adventitious root development and root growth in response to flooding was completed. 3b� Thirty nine transgenic soybean lines containing the SAG12:IPT gene were field tested for yield and delaying senescence. Transgenic soybean plants containing the flood tolerant candidate genes MYB-XET, MYB-GLB1, and 35S-GLB1 are being tested for copy number of the inserted gene. 4a� Only one of three Wetland Reservoir Subirrigation System (WRSIS) sites remains operational. Field sampling of wildlife (fishes, amphibians, and reptiles) and physical habitat (water surface area, water depth, ratio of open water to emergent wetland vegetation) has been completed and a manuscript is in preparation. 4b� Laboratory hydraulic conductivity tests, contaminant removal batch tests, and saturated solute transport column experiments have documented the feasibility of using a new modified iron product as a filter material to remove nutrients (nitrate/phosphate) and pesticides (atrazine) from drainage waters. 4c- The laboratory portion of the research has been completed, with results indicating that the end-of-tile approach was viable if the capacity to treat greater flow rates could be addressed. Progress continues with respect to the field portion of the study. Additional filter materials are being tested at field sites in TX, MN, and OH. Accomplishments 01 Screening efforts have identified soybean genotypes differing in susceptibility to flooding. The flooding tolerant PI 408105A showed only 32.1% reduction in yield compared to 81.2% reduction in the flooding- sensitive S99-2281 genotype. A recombinant inbred (RI) population that segregates for flooding tolerance was developed from a cross of PI 40810 x S99-2281. To investigate the physiological trait associated with flooding tolerance, 200 RI lines were tested for their ability to develo adventitious roots from stem section near the soil surface, to give the plant more access to oxygen during times of flooding. The PI 408105A plants produced 32% more adventitious roots and had a 74% greater root biomass than the S99-2281 plants. Genetic loci associated with triggerin early adventitious root formation and abundant root growth in response t flooding stress will be identified and used in the development of floodi tolerant soybean cultivars. 02 Development of design and management criteria for fish, amphibian, and reptiles within created wetlands. The design and management of agricultural wetlands focuses on optimizing the ability of created wetlands to reduce nutrient, pesticide, and sediment loadings within agricultural runoff. This focus on water quality results in the creation of wetlands that may not function effectively as habitats for aquatic vertebrates that are exhibiting worldwide population declines, such as fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. ARS scientists in Columbus, Ohio documented differences in fishes, amphibians, and reptiles between two wetland types created as a result of the wetland-reservoir-subirrigation system (WRSIS) and used the information to develop design and management criteria capable of increasing the ecological benefits resulting from th agricultural water recycling system. Differences in amphibian abundance and species composition between WRSIS wetlands and reservoirs suggest th potential for WRSIS wetlands to provide habitat for a different suite of aquatic vertebrates than the reservoirs. Furthermore, WRSIS dominated by fishes did not exhibit the benefits of a two stage wetland design. These results enabled the development of a set of design and management criter that will enable WRSIS wetlands to be managed as amphibian habitat and reservoirs to be managed as fish habitat. These design and management criteria can also be used by state, federal, and private agencies involv with creating agricultural wetlands to assist them meeting their conservation and restoration goals. 03 Laboratory feasibility testing of a newly developed modified iron produc for possible use as a filter material to remove contaminants from draina waters. Filter treatment systems can potentially remove nutrients and pesticides from water discharged by subsurface drainage systems in both large and small scale agricultural settings. The success of these treatment systems will depend on finding economic filter materials that are capable of effectively and efficiently removing nutrients and/or pesticides. Laboratory saturated hydraulic conductivity tests, contamina removal batch tests, and saturated solute transport tests were conducted to assess the feasibility for using a new modified iron product as a filter material to treat nutrients and pesticides present in agricultura drainage waters. Saturated hydraulic conductivity tests indicate that th modified iron product has a sufficiently high permeability to allow substantial drainage water flow rates when used as a filter material. Th contaminant removal batch tests and the saturated solute transport tests show that this modified iron product is capable of almost completely removing phosphate and the pesticide, atrazine, from drainage water, eve when contaminant levels and flow rates are relatively high. The batch an column tests additionally indicate that this modified iron has the abili to remove moderate amounts of nitrate from drainage waters. Consequently this modified iron may in the future prove valuable for reducing the adverse environmental impacts associated with agricultural subsurface drainage practices. 04 Determined the feasibility of an end-of-tile filter approach to reduce nutrient and pesticide transport via subsurface drainage. Subsurface drainage is a necessity for crop production agriculture in humid climate with poorly drained soils. In excess of 20.6 million ha (37%) of the tillable acres in the Midwest are managed with subsurface tile. While partially responsible for consistent high crop production yields, subsurface tile drainage has been recognized as a primary source of agricultural nutrient transport to streams and waterbodies to which they discharge. ARS scientists in cooperation with United States Golf Association (USGA) personnel investigated the feasibility of an end-of- tile filter for treating subsurface drainage waters. The findings sugges that the end-of-tile filter approach could be adapted as a best manageme practice to reduce nutrient and pesticide transport in subsurface tile drainage where the contributing area and flow rates are relatively small Additionally, the findings support further investigation into alternativ sorbent materials and delivery designs that permit larger drainage areas and greater flow rates to be filtered. The beneficiaries of this researc are all downstream water users that use surface water for drinking, recreation, and navigation.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Pham, T.A., Hill, C.B., Miles, M., Nguyen, B.T., Vu, T.T., Vuong, T.D., Vantoai, T.T., Nguyen, H.T., Hartman, G.L. 2010. Evaluation of Soybean Germplasm for Resistance to Soybean Rust in Vietnam. Field Crops Research. 117(2010):131-138.
- Allred, B.J., Clevenger, B., Saraswat, D. 2009. Application of GPS and Near-Surface Geophysical Methods to Evaluate Agricultural Test Plot Differences. Fast Times: News for the Near Surface Geophysical Sciences. 14(3):15-26.
- Allred, B.J., Redman, D. 2010. Assessment of Agricultural Drainage Pipe Conditions Using Ground Penetrating Radar. Journal of Environmental & Engineering Geophysics. 15(3):119-134.
- Allred, B.J. 2010. Laboratory Batch Test Evaluation of Five Filter Materials for Removal of Nutrients and Pesticides From Drainage Waters. Transactions of the ASABE. 53(1):39-54.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall project goal focuses on improving subsurface drainage water management systems (DWMS), particularly those employing controlled drainage practices, which will be used throughout the Midwest U.S., to provide both environmental and economic benefits. Accomplishing this goal requires an integrated research program that leads to enhanced controlled drainage operational strategies, improvement of DWMS design, development of flooding tolerant crop cultivars, and innovation in agricultural water treatment technologies. Specific objectives include: 1) Develop a knowledge base that will provide useful insight for improving controlled drainage operational strategies so as to maximize environmental and economic benefits. 2) Collect field data that will offer useful insight on proper DWMS design (particularly for controlled drainage systems), and then conduct a computer modeling investigation to determine the best controlled drainage design criteria and operational strategies that provide environmental and economic benefits. 3) Develop flooding stress tolerant soybean cultivars that are better adapted to Midwest U.S. DWMS wet soil conditions. 4) Develop constructed wetland and other water treatment technologies that can be integrated with DWMS to reduce nutrient and pesticide losses from cropland and turf environments. Approach (from AD-416) Conduct plot studies to quantify the subsurface drainage effects of three outlet control structure weir elevations and a scenario in which the outlet control structure weir height is gradually lowered. Conduct producer operated, field scale comparisons between open, unrestricted versus controlled subsurface drainage systems. Determine the effects of controlled drainage versus open, unrestricted drainage on surface runoff. Determine the soil quality effects of controlled drainage verses open, unrestricted drainage. Perform laboratory tests and field investigations to quantify processes affecting nitrate mobility in low permeability Midwest U.S. soils that typically require artificial subsurface drainage. Conduct plot studies to evaluate different subsurface drainage system infrastructure characteristics for the purpose of improving DWMS design criteria. Using data collected from different Midwest U.S. field locations, calibrate and verify computer models capable of simulating DWMS flow, water quality, and crop yield responses. If necessary, modify the computer program used to develop the computer models. Screen soybean cultivars of diverse origins for flooding stress tolerance and employ quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on the most promising cultivars in order to locate genes on the genetic linkage map that are responsible for flooding stress tolerance. Develop transgenic soybeans with improved flooding tolerance and then verify their flooding tolerance. For three constructed wetlands, assess present water treatment effectiveness along with vegetation/wildlife function and then evaluate, on the same basis, improvement modifications. Perform laboratory tests to screen novel filter materials for ability to remove nitrate and atrazine from drainage water. If an effective and efficient filter material is isolated in the laboratory, a field pilot test will follow. Evaluate the ability of commercially available filter materials to absorb or bind nutrients and pesticides present in tile drainage water from an urban turf environment. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Progress at the DARA field research site is described in detail within the AD-421 for Project 3604-13000-008-14S. Water table elevations were recorded in the control structures at the Hoytville experiment site again during this FY. Crop yields were obtained by the research farm crew per instructions. These data have been downloaded and added to the archived data on the Unit�s server. Water table elevations were recorded in the control structures at 8 producer operated paired DWM sites. These farmers have provided input and crop yield records. These data have been downloaded and added to the archived data on the Unit�s server. The infrastructure renovations and upgrades to the 8 plots where this planned study is to be carried out have been completed. Soil electrical conductivity field map obtained from geophysical resistivity surveys have been used to guide compaction measurements using an automated cone penetrometer. A laboratory investigation of mechanisms affecting nitrate mobility in soil continues. Soil samples from across Ohio and elsewhere in the Midwest have been collected for use and are now being tested to assess anion exclusion processes affecting nitrite transport in a wide variety of soils. Progress is the same as described in Subobjective 1a for the DARA field research site. Field testing of the recombinant inbred (RI) population S99-2281 x PI 408105A segregating for flooding tolerance was completed at two locations for two years. The second year testing for Phytophthora root rot disease is being conducted. Identification of the genetic loci associated with flooding tolerance and Phytophthora tolerance is in progress. One hundred thirty transgenic lines containing the anti-senescence gene were evaluated in the greenhouse. A number of these lines remained green and healthy during the late pod-filling stage and produced twice the seed yield of the non-transgenic type. Additional transgenic soybean lines containing flood-tolerant candidate genes have been successfully generated and are now being grown in the greenhouse for seed collection. Measurement and analysis of the water flow/quality both entering and leaving the constructed wetlands continues at the WRSIS sites. Completed fourth year of field sampling of wildlife (fishes, amphibians, and reptiles) and physical habitat (water surface area, water depth, ratio of open water to emergent wetland vegetation) within the three WRSIS wetlands. Laboratory hydraulic conductivity tests and saturated solute transport column experiments have documented the feasibility of several industrial products and byproducts for use as filter materials to remove nutrients and pesticides from drainage waters. The laboratory portion of the project was completed and manuscript preparation for that portion has begun on the findings from that study. The system was installed in a field setting at a golf course in MN. Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Allred, B.J. 2008. Cation Effects on Nitrate Mobility in an Unsaturated Soil. Transactions of the ASABE. 51(6):1997-2012.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall project goal focuses on improving subsurface drainage water management systems (DWMS), particularly those employing controlled drainage practices, which will be used throughout the Midwest U.S., to provide both environmental and economic benefits. Accomplishing this goal requires an integrated research program that leads to enhanced controlled drainage operational strategies, improvement of DWMS design, development of flooding tolerant crop cultivars, and innovation in agricultural water treatment technologies. Specific objectives include: 1) Develop a knowledge base that will provide useful insight for improving controlled drainage operational strategies so as to maximize environmental and economic benefits. 2) Collect field data that will offer useful insight on proper DWMS design (particularly for controlled drainage systems), and then conduct a computer modeling investigation to determine the best controlled drainage design criteria and operational strategies that provide environmental and economic benefits. 3) Develop flooding stress tolerant soybean cultivars that are better adapted to Midwest U.S. DWMS wet soil conditions. 4) Develop constructed wetland and other water treatment technologies that can be integrated with DWMS to reduce nutrient and pesticide losses from cropland and turf environments. Approach (from AD-416) Conduct plot studies to quantify the subsurface drainage effects of three outlet control structure weir elevations and a scenario in which the outlet control structure weir height is gradually lowered. Conduct producer operated, field scale comparisons between open, unrestricted versus controlled subsurface drainage systems. Determine the effects of controlled drainage versus open, unrestricted drainage on surface runoff. Determine the soil quality effects of controlled drainage verses open, unrestricted drainage. Perform laboratory tests and field investigations to quantify processes affecting nitrate mobility in low permeability Midwest U.S. soils that typically require artificial subsurface drainage. Conduct plot studies to evaluate different subsurface drainage system infrastructure characteristics for the purpose of improving DWMS design criteria. Using data collected from different Midwest U.S. field locations, calibrate and verify computer models capable of simulating DWMS flow, water quality, and crop yield responses. If necessary, modify the computer program used to develop the computer models. Screen soybean cultivars of diverse origins for flooding stress tolerance and employ quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on the most promising cultivars in order to locate genes on the genetic linkage map that are responsible for flooding stress tolerance. Develop transgenic soybeans with improved flooding tolerance and then verify their flooding tolerance. For three constructed wetlands, assess present water treatment effectiveness along with vegetation/wildlife function and then evaluate, on the same basis, improvement modifications. Perform laboratory tests to screen novel filter materials for ability to remove nitrate and atrazine from drainage water. If an effective and efficient filter material is isolated in the laboratory, a field pilot test will follow. Evaluate the ability of commercially available filter materials to absorb or bind nutrients and pesticides present in tile drainage water from an urban turf environment. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations 1a: Sensors were added to continuously record water table levels in all test plots at the DARA (Defiance Agricultural Research Association) site. Hydrologic, water quality, and yield data were collected at both DARA and Hoytville plots year round in response to rainfall inputs. 1b: Eight farmer cooperators in Ohio have provided paired fields where the environmental/economic differences between controlled drainage and conventional, unrestricted drainage can be evaluated. Hydraulic control structures, sensors, and data loggers are now in place at all of these sites. 1c: Site infrastructure changes needed for surface water runoff tests have now been completed. 1d: To determine sampling locations for soil quality research, near- surface geophysical resistivity surveys integrated with GPS were conducted to obtain topographic and soil electrical conductivity maps at 7 sites. 1e: A laboratory investigation was completed that quantified the impacts on soil nitrate mobility due to the type of dissolved cation present. Soil samples from across Ohio and elsewhere in the Midwest have been collected for use to assess anion exclusion processes affecting nitrite transport in a wide variety of soils. 2a: Sensors were added to continuously record water table levels in all plots. Baseline characterization of individual plot hydrologic response to rainfall was continued year round. 2b: Work on this subobjective is not scheduled to begin until the third year of the overall research project. 3a: Field testing and genotyping of a recombinant inbred population segregating for flooding tolerance was completed. Two manuscripts from this research have been submitted to scientific journals. 3b: Eight SAG12:ipt transgenic soybean lines have been developed and tested for flooding tolerance. Four additional constructs containing flood-tolerant candidate genes have been generated for transformation into soybean. 4a: Measurement and analysis of the water flow and water quality both entering and leaving the constructed wetlands continues at the three WRSIS (Wetland Reservoir Subirrigation System) sites. The third year of sampling for fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and habitat data were completed for the WRSIS wetlands and reservoirs. Preliminary analyses indicate the predominance of predatory fishes within the WRSIS wetlands that could be potentially detrimental to amphibians. 4b: A total of 55 filter materials have been screened to date. Further batch tests were conducted on five of the most promising filter materials to gain additional insight on their effectiveness/efficiency in removing nutrients/pesticides from agricultural drainage waters. 4c: Two years of data has been collected at the field site and is currently being analyzed. Likewise, laboratory data has been collected at the 10, 20, and 30 gallon per minute peak flow rates and is currently being analyzed. Initial results indicate that the end of line filters have the ability to significantly reduce concentrations and loadings of both nutrients and pesticides. The project�s 12 research subobjectives support NP 201 (now NP 211) Problem Area #3, Products #1 and #2, and Problem Area #6, Products #4 and #6.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Allred, B.J. 2007. Effects of concentration and ionic strength on nitrate anion exclusion under unsaturated flow conditions. Soil Science. 172(11) :842-860.
- Allred, B.J., Ehsani, R.M., Daniels, J.J. 2008. General considerations for geophysical methods applied to agriculture. In: Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J. , Ehsani, M.R. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 3-13.
- Allred, B.J., Groom, D., Ehsani, R.M., Daniels, J.J. 2008. Resistivity methods. In: Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J., Ehsani, M.R. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 85-107.
- Allred, B.J., Rogers, M. 2008. Magnetometry, self-potential, and seismic - additional geophysical methods having potentially significant future utilization in agriculture. In: Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J., Ehsani, M.R., editors. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 147-161.
- Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J. 2008. Agricultural drainage pipe detection using ground-penetrating radar. In: Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J., Ehsani, M. R. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 363- 373.
- Allred, B.J., Mccoy, E., Redman, D. 2008. Ground-Penetrating Radar Investigation of a Golf Course Green. In: Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J., Ehsani, M.R., editors. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 353-361.
- Daniels, J.J., Vendl, M., Ehsani, R.M., Allred, B.J. 2008. Electromagnetic induction methods. In: Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J., Ehsani, M.R. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 109-128.
- Daniels, J.J., Ehsani, R.M., Allred, B.J. 2008. Ground-penetrating radar methods. In: Allred, B.J., Daniels, J.J., Ehsani, M.R. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 129-145.
- Fouss, J.L., Fausey, N.R. 2007. Research and Development of Laser-Beam Automatic Grade-Control System on High-Speed Subsurface Drainage Equipment. Transactions of the ASABE. 50(5):1663-1667
- Madramootoo, C.C., Johnston, W.R., Ayars, J.E., Evans, R.O., Fausey, N.R. 2007. Drainage Water Quality Issues In North America. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. 56:535-545.
- Allred, B.J., Daniels, J., Ehsani, R., Collins, M.E., Grejner-Brezinska, D. A., Merry, C.J. 2008. Handbook of Agricultural Geophysics. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press LLC. 410 p.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall project goal focuses on improving subsurface drainage water management systems (DWMS), particularly those employing controlled drainage practices, which will be used throughout the Midwest U.S., to provide both environmental and economic benefits. Accomplishing this goal requires an integrated research program that leads to enhanced controlled drainage operational strategies, improvement of DWMS design, development of flooding tolerant crop cultivars, and innovation in agricultural water treatment technologies. Specific objectives include: 1) Develop a knowledge base that will provide useful insight for improving controlled drainage operational strategies so as to maximize environmental and economic benefits. 2) Collect field data that will offer useful insight on proper DWMS design (particularly for controlled drainage systems), and then conduct a computer modeling investigation to determine the best controlled drainage design criteria and operational strategies that provide environmental and economic benefits. 3) Develop flooding stress tolerant soybean cultivars that are better adapted to Midwest U.S. DWMS wet soil conditions. 4) Develop constructed wetland and other water treatment technologies that can be integrated with DWMS to reduce nutrient and pesticide losses from cropland and turf environments. Approach (from AD-416) Conduct plot studies to quantify the subsurface drainage effects of three outlet control structure weir elevations and a scenario in which the outlet control structure weir height is gradually lowered. Conduct producer operated, field scale comparisons between open, unrestricted versus controlled subsurface drainage systems. Determine the effects of controlled drainage versus open, unrestricted drainage on surface runoff. Determine the soil quality effects of controlled drainage verses open, unrestricted drainage. Perform laboratory tests and field investigations to quantify processes affecting nitrate mobility in low permeability Midwest U.S. soils that typically require artificial subsurface drainage. Conduct plot studies to evaluate different subsurface drainage system infrastructure characteristics for the purpose of improving DWMS design criteria. Using data collected from different Midwest U.S. field locations, calibrate and verify computer models capable of simulating DWMS flow, water quality, and crop yield responses. If necessary, modify the computer program used to develop the computer models. Screen soybean cultivars of diverse origins for flooding stress tolerance and employ quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on the most promising cultivars in order to locate genes on the genetic linkage map that are responsible for flooding stress tolerance. Develop transgenic soybeans with improved flooding tolerance and then verify their flooding tolerance. For three constructed wetlands, assess present water treatment effectiveness along with vegetation/wildlife function and then evaluate, on the same basis, improvement modifications. Perform laboratory tests to screen novel filter materials for ability to remove nitrate and atrazine from drainage water. If an effective and efficient filter material is isolated in the laboratory, a field pilot test will follow. Evaluate the ability of commercially available filter materials to absorb or bind nutrients and pesticides present in tile drainage water from an urban turf environment. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The following is a list documenting progress for some of the project�s subobjectives. Subobjective 1a - All originally planned environmental monitoring equipment has been installed at the DARA controlled drainage field research site. (Described in greater detail within the AD-421 for CRIS Project 3604-13000-008-14S.) Data on controlled drainage water flow and water quality impacts continue to be investigated at the Hoytville replicated test plots. Subobjective 1b - Through participation in a CIG grant, eight farmer cooperators in Ohio have agreed to provide paired fields where the environmental/economic differences between controlled drainage and conventional, unrestricted drainage can be evaluated. Hydraulic control structures are now in place at all of these sites. Subobjective 1d - The same paired fields for Subobjective 1b will be used for assessment of controlled drainage effects on soil quality. Subobjective 1e - A laboratory investigation was completed quantifying the impact on soil nitrate mobility due to the ionic strength of the water contained within the soil. Subobjective 2a - Progress is the same as described in Subobjective 1a for the DARA site. Subobjective 3a - Screening for flooding tolerance, both in the greenhouse and the field, has been completed for 22 soybean genotypes from South East Asia. To map QTL of flooding tolerance, field testing is being conducted at Wooster, Ohio and Delta Center, Missouri on 220 lines of the recombinant inbred population PI408105A (tolerant parent) x S99- 281 (susceptible parent). Furthermore, the dissolved oxygen and redox potential of flooded soils associated with injuries of soybeans are being characterized under greenhouse and field conditions. Subobjective 3b - Constructs have been completed for the flood tolerant candidate genes GLB1 (Class 1 hemoglobin gene), PDC1 (pyruvate decarboxylate 1) and PDC2 (pyruvate decarboxylate 2) under the control of the 35S promoter. Subobjective 4a - Monitoring of the water flow and water quality both entering and leaving the constructed wetlands continues at the WRSIS sites. Fishes, amphibians, and reptiles were surveyed in both the wetlands and the storage reservoirs at all three WRSIS sites in order to determine the differences in the aquatic vertebrate communities and physical habitat between wetlands and the reservoirs. Subobjective 4b � A total of 36 different filter materials have been screened with regard to their ability to remove nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) and pesticides (atrazine) from agricultural drainage waters. Subobjective 4c - After design changes were made, the filters for reducing the pollutant export were reinstalled at the golf course field site. Data collection has been ongoing in the field since the reinstallation. Additionally, a hydrograph generator was developed in the laboratory and this provides a method to run more controlled events. The hydrograph generator has been tested and controlled hydrograph simulations are underway to test filter delivery and efficiency. The laboratory work is designed to complement the field research. Accomplishments A) Flooding Tolerant Soybean Genotype Identified Many soils in the Midwest U.S do not drain very well naturally, which often results in �waterlogged� soil conditions that damage crops, particularly soybeans. The identification and/or development of flooding tolerant soybeans can solve this problem. A total of 22 soybean genotypes from South East Asia were tested in both the greenhouse and the field for flooding tolerance, and the genotype �Nam Vang� was identified as being capable of producing high seed yields under both control and waterlogged conditions. This research finding could potentially provide new genetic resources for improving the flooding tolerance of soybean cultivars. A manuscript describing the study has been submitted to the scientific journal, Crop Science. The information obtained from this research directly supports the products and outcomes described in NP 201 (Water Resource Management), Problem Area 3 (Drainage Water Management Systems). B) Relative Impacts of Ionic Strength and Nitrate Concentration on Nitrate Movement in Soil Nitrate is a widespread contaminant found in both ground and surface waters. Nitrate in the environment typically moves through the soil profile first, especially if introduced via fertilizer application. Reducing adverse environmental impacts due to nitrate therefore requires, at least in part, a better understanding of the processes, particularly anion exclusion, that govern nitrate mobility in soil. A laboratory investigation indicates that the soil water ionic strength has a much greater influence than the nitrate concentration itself on the anion exclusion process affecting soil nitrate mobility. Results from this study can be used to improve computer models employed to predict nitrate movement through the soil profile, thereby allowing better nitrate fertilizer application management scenarios to be developed, which minimize adverse nitrate impacts on the environment. A manuscript prepared from these research findings has been accepted for publication in the scientific journal, Soil Science. The information obtained from this research directly supports the products and outcomes described in NP 201 (Water Resource Management), Problem Area 3 (Drainage Water Management Systems). Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 2 Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 9 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 28
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Allred, B.J., Brown, G.O., Bigham, J.M. 2007. Nitrate mobility under unsaturated flow conditions in four initially dry soils. Soil Science. 172(1):27-41.
- Allred, B.J., Bigham, J.M., Brown, G.O. 2007. The impact of clay mineralogy on nitrate mobility under unsaturated flow conditions. Vadose Zone Journal. 6(2):221-232.
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