Progress 02/01/24 to 01/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The Purdue team reached non-profit groups, specifically the Great Lakes Commission, with regard to P leaching mechanisms in tile drains. Other groups include the OH NRCS and OH Department of Ag who desire to know more about how to target landscape "hot spots". The target audience of the SWAT model development and source code modifications are agency personnel, from state to federal agencies, who are using and improving the SWAT model. We have fostered closer collaboration with USGS, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and other SWAT developers in the USDA ARS. Dr. Shedekar was invited by the USDA-ARS LTAR Drainage Working Group to present a summary of the project work. During this reporting period, the project findings were also presented at conferences attended by a target audience that included academic researchers, faculty members, graduate students, and professionals in the fields of agricultural and environmental sciences Changes/Problems:We discovered an issue in the water table depth representation in tile drainage simulation, which required significant modifications to source code. This unexpected work led to delays in planned publications and related project output. However, in general, we do not see as a major change to proposed approaches. The bug fixes have resulted in significant improvement in process representation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Purdue visiting scholar, Anita Beltrame, completed a series of experimentation on the calorimeter, learning a new skill, in addition to the complimentary benchtop experiments. A Purdue graduate student also helped conduct the rainfall simulation experiments on the large columns. UW-Madison graduate student Jaya (Muehlman) Hafner presented on the single-field SWAT model at the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Section of the American Water Resources Association in April 2024. Lourdes Arrueta Antequera, participated as a postdoctoral scholar on the project and contributed towards organizing project meetings, coordinating project communications with external collaborators and inviting additional advisors for the project work. Further, she has been instrumental in summarizing key project findings for dissemination to stakeholders and external collaborators. The OSU postdoctoral researcher, Fariba Babaeian has attended several drainage-related events and workshops to gain required knowledge related to subsurface drainage systems from June to September in 2024 (including Clinton County Field Day (June 18, 2024), MVP Dairy Field Visit (June 19, 2024), and Small Grains Field Day (June 20, 2024), the Manure Science Review (August 6, 2024), the Understanding Algal Blooms Conference (Sep 24, 2024)). She virtually attended the SWAT-CUP Advanced Workshop in Strasbourg (July 24, 2024). She also presented the effect of drainage spacing refinements in the Maumee Field-Scale SWAT model on field- and watershed-scale hydrology at the Conservation Drainage Network Annual Meeting and the Annual Research Forum poster competition held by the College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at the Ohio State University in April 2025. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Mark Williams, a scientist at the NSERL, used the results of the flow-cell data to communicate the importance of P leaching and chemical-physical interactions, to the Lake Erie Commission during a meeting in summer 2024. Chad Penn (NSERL) utilized this data set in writing a proposal to the Ohio Department of Agriculture regarding development of a tile drainage P index. UW-Madison graduate student Jaya Hafner interacted with Wisconsin agency personnel and others who use SWAT to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads for the state, including at the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Section of the American Water Resources Association. OSU postdoctoral researcher Fariba Babaeian has attended conferences to present the findings from the USDA-NIFA project as a poster in the Conservation Drainage Network (CDN) Annual Meeting and the College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Annual Research Forum poster competition in April 2025. She interacted with academic researchers, university faculty, graduate students, and a diverse group of professionals from across the United States, working in agricultural drainage, watershed management, and water quality. She interacted with academic researchers, university faculty, graduate students, and professionals from multiple states as well as representatives from state and federal agencies and industry partners. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1 The Purdue team will utilize the flow-cell data for creating new algorithms and routines that describe P leaching and then work with the OSU and UW team in incorporating this into an updated SWAT model. Objectives 2 and 3 The UW-Madison team will complete source code updates for hydrology and phosphorus transport and complete the calibration and validation process at the field scale. Additionally, the team plans to publish a paper that details the development of the single-field SWAT model, and the modifications made to simulate phosphorus dynamics in tile drainage. They will also assist the OSU and ARS partners in incorporating a better understanding of phosphorus transport through soils and into tile drains into the SWAT model. The OSU team will evaluate the mathematical relationships for phosphorus (P) sorption and desorption in the soil profile, using soil characteristics input data into the single-field SWAT model developed by UW-Madison. These evaluations will be compared with the modified P transport algorithms from Task 2.2. Based on the results, the most appropriate mathematical models will be incorporated into the SWAT source code. The OSU team plans to publish one paper related to "Improving Representation of Drainage Intensity in a Watershed Model".
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 Task 1.4: Regarding objective 1, all of the flow-cell data was gathered and analyzed for the purpose of determining how to best present the data for creating new algorithms and routines in SWAT. From this, we learned that the physical aspect of how water interacts with soils, has a major impact on the chemical aspect of P desorption and adsorption. In general, we found that increasing flow rate (or decreasing contact time) decreases the concentration of P lost from soils, yet the increased flow rate also decreases subsequent re-adsorption by the subsoil. This will be critical to creating new routines. Next, through large column studies in our hydraulics laboratory, we used rainfall simulation to study P leaching under different rainfall intensities to create different contact time. The results were very insightful and confirmed what we had learned through the flow-cell experimentation. Last, we also conducted new experiments using titration calorimetry to determine if heat response could be used as a measurement of P desorption kinetics. We found that calorimetry could shed some insight into real-time kinetics. Objective 2 Task 2.2: A new UW-Madison postdoc Lourdes Arrueta (with aid from postdoc Anna Apostel) resumed SWAT source code modifications left off by previous UW-Madison postdoc Sushant Mehan. Numerous bugs were identified and resolved in the source code, including corrections to limit tile drainage flow to originate from overlying soil layers and revisions to the water table depth simulation in order to make it more physically based. The updated routine simulates water table depth by aggregating the excess soil moisture (water content above field capacity) and comparing it to the drainable porosity of each soil layer above the impermeable depth. OSU and UW-Madison postdoctoral researchers (Fariba Babaeian and Lourdes Arrueta) conducted a comprehensive review of the tile drainage and water table modules in the SWAT source code. They also conducted a literature review on the theoretical concepts underlying tile drainage simulation in SWAT. Based on these findings, the UW-Madison postdoc modified the hydrologic algorithms by partitioning tile drainage into crack flow and matrix flow, to make the model more accurate and realistic. Source code updates for phosphorus include changing the order of operations by which phosphorus is transported from the field (previously phosphorus was removed from the surface soil via surface runoff, then crack flow, then matrix flow, and now crack flow conveys phosphorus before surface runoff). According to Askar et al. (2020) crack flow occurs before surface runoff at ponding depths exceeding the soil surface roughness, while surface runoff begins at depths greater than the soil surface storage. The presence of cracks decreases the amount of surface runoff by increasing the total infiltration rates and the soil water content in deeper parts of the soil profile (Novák et al., 2000). We also changed the algorithm of phosphorus transport in crack flow from a simple conveyance directly to the tile to a downward movement in cracks to all layers receiving crack flow, and by extending phosphorus transport in matrix flow from only the first layer to movement throughout the soil layers. Task 2.3: To incorporate the representation of sorption and desorption mechanisms of P transport within the soil profile into the SWAT source code, a new postdoctoral researcher at OSU Fariba Babaeian, evaluated the mathematical relationships generated in Objective 1 using the different input soil characteristics and hydrological data. Objective 3 Tasks 3.2 and 3.3: UW-Madison graduate student Jaya Hafner continued development of the single-field SWAT model at the Ohio site. We completed the setup of the single-field SWAT model, including integrating input data from the edge-of-field site (e.g. farm management and soil properties). We began sensitivity analysis and calibration of the model against in-field and edge-of-field hydrology and water quality measurements using SWATrunR package in R software. SWATrunR enables parallel processing to run simulations with different parameter sets simultaneously and supports incremental writing of simulation outputs to SQLite databases for storing large outputs, which enhances computational efficiency. In addition, OSU postdoctoral researcher Fariba Babaeian conducted a sensitivity analysis of the Maumee Field-Scale SWAT model, focusing on the effects of tile spacing and depth on tile drainage. The SWAT model results were compared with hydrology measurements from four edge-of-field monitoring sites. Through model runs using different water table algorithms, sensitivity analysis across various drain spacings, and source code review, we identified a limitation in the current tile drainage algorithm. This issue stems from how the model simulates water table depth and requires modification. To address this, UW-Madison team revised the water table algorithm used in the tile drainage simulation and then conducted a sensitivity analysis of the revised algorithm using the single-field SWAT model, comparing it against hydrology measurements from one edge-of-field monitoring site in Ohio.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Mark R. Williams, Kevin W. King,, Chad J. Penn, William Osterholz, and Audrey Sawyer. 2024. Assessing legacy phosphorus in the Western Lake Erie Basin: Key findings from Phase 1 (2020-2024). Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Meeting. July 21-24rth. Myrtle Beach, SC.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Muehlman, J., Prasad, L., Thompson, A., Mehan, S., Osterholz, W., King, K., Arriaga, F., Shedekar, V.S., Kalcic, M. M., Improving the representation of cold season hydrology in SWAT, 47th Annual Meeting, American Water Resources Association - Wisconsin Section, Appleton, WI, United States. (April 2024).
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Progress 02/01/23 to 01/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:We reached several audiences at different scales through oral presentations, and through a written publication. These audiences were diverse as they consisted of scientists and engineers at universities and government agencies, conservation-minded folks at state and government agencies, non-profits, farmers, and the public. Changes/Problems:At UW-Madison, there was a delay in progress with the SWAT modeling in this period due to the postdoc previously working on the project moving on (and eventually to a faculty position at South Dakota State University). We reallocated the time of an entering graduate student as soon as possible to begin steady progress again, and soon after, a new postdoc joined the lab. At the Ohio State University, there was a delay in initiating project activities due to multiple failed searches andthe late arrival of a new postdoctoral researcher to the team. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One Purdue graduate student (Hope Wason) and two undergraduates have worked on this project. This involved characterizing soils for various properties such as P forms, OM, pH, texture, etc, and conducting the flow-cell experiments which is very technical and cumbersome. The students also learned how to operate spectrophometric instruments for nutrient analysis. UW-Madison graduate student Jaya Meuhlman began working closely with ARS partners, learned about edge-of-field data, was trained in developing a SWAT model, and advanced her skillset in computer coding. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Two presentations were given during 2023 on the topic of P transport, that utilized some of the results of this study. This included state, regional conferences or meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1: We plan to compile all of the flow-cell data and analyze for the purpose of creating a series of algorithms to be used in a model. Due to the large data set, this will be very cumbersome. This will involve determining the best way to express the data or normalize it. Objectives 2 and 3: We plan to complete development of the single-field SWAT model for the Ohio field site. Resume modifying the SWAT source code for phosphorus transport through soils and into tile drains. Begin integrating basic science understanding gained from the flow through experiments (led by Chad Penn) into the SWAT source code.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 (Tasks 1.2 and 1.3): A phosphorus (P) flow-cell experiment was conducted on 30 soils containing elevated P (i.e. legacy P soils). The first series of experiments measured P desorption from the soils under two different flow rates (i.e. contact times) to simulate P desorption during a rainfall event. These measurements were much more realistic compared to traditional batch water extractions, although much more time-consuming and laborious. Next, a second series of flow-cell experiments were conducted using the subsoils from the respective topsoils, for P adsorption. This was to simulate re-adsorption of P in the subsoil from the P leached out of the overlying horizons. Two flow rates were tested for that as well. Objectives 2 and 3:In support of Objectives 2 and 3, UW-Madison graduate student Jaya Hafner began development of a single-field SWAT model to aid in testing the phosphorus transport processes within and at edge-of-field using data from the ARS collaborators for one site in Ohio. It was determined that the relationship between P desorption or sorption by different soils was correlated to Mehlich-3 P measurements. The SWAT model source code was evaluated and we detereminedthat labile P and active P as two of the three forms of P that are used to consider all soil P. To ensure that the desorption and adsorption of models are accurately applied, we performed a literature review and contacted SWAT developers to find that Mehlich-3 P would best be described using the sum of labile and active P. Working with the modelers, we updated the SWAT code so that these two pools would be added and retained temporally within the model. The goal of this will be to apply the up-to-date Mehlich-3 P concentrations following soil equilibrium processes. The desorption and adsorption of will be replaced by first applying these relationships to estimate the concentration of each soil layer while loads will be determined using the flow volume for each layer. This enhances the model which currently applied a single relationship of P desorption to loads entering and exiting each layer. A postdoctoral scholar (Fariba Babaeian) was recruited for the purpose of enacting these changes in the OSU SWAT model.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Penn, C.J. 2023. Nutrient movement and conservation practices. Water Quality Symposium of NY. Online. March 15th.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Penn, C.J. 2023. Nutrient movement and capture. Indiana Ms4 Annual Stormwater Conference. May 14th, Plainfield, Indiana.
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Progress 02/01/22 to 01/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, various audiences were reached through dissemination of findings related to water quality from monitoring activities, through oral presentations, and through a written publication. This target audience included conservationists, NRCS personnel, scientists, and representatives of various agricultural and environmental organizations.? Changes/Problems:The project activities at OSU and University of Wisconsin slowed down due to transition of the PIs Shedekar and Kalcic in new roles and severe delays in the hiringprocess for postdoctoral scholar. However, these issues have not caused us to consider any major changes to the approach and deliverables. In fact, the project has been able to provide a platform for intellectual interactions among the scientific and modeling communitiesand has led to synergistic advances of the P transport theory and model improvements. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided a number of opportunities to students and staff. Students learned new laboratory practices and procedures through the various extractions conducted on the soils and have how to operate analytical equipment such as colorimetric nutrient analyzers. Additionally, a graduate student was able to attend a national conference (American Society of Agronomy) to present results. An undergraduate student conducted the analysis of P loss by soil P and texture data as part of an undergraduate thesis. The postdoctoral researcher at UW-Madison has networked and prepared presentations related to the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Various audiences have been reached through project activities completed thus far. Objective 1 activities were communicated through a graduate student presentation of the results of soil characterization and the comparison of water extractable phosphorus methods. Representing Objective 2 activities, Margaret Kalcic (UW-Madison) presented findings from this and another USDA-NIFA project at the WI-AWRA Conference in March 2023. For Objective 3, results from water quality monitoring have been disseminated to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Council and to farmers whose properties are being monitored. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The next steps towards meeting project objectives are as follows: Objective 1 Tasks 1.2 and 1.3: Conduct flow-through desorption and sorption experiments on the collected soil samples (topsoils and subsoils). Objective 2 Task 2.3: Incorporate the new findings coming out from Objective 1 (i.e., mathematical relationships resulting from flow-through tests and established relationships between flow rate and P sorption/desorption) into source code and parameterization improvements. Objective 3 Tasks 3.2 and 3.3: Assess baseline scenarios for selected SWAT model HRUs and test the model using edge-of- field data obtained from the USDA-ARS Drainage Unit in Columbus, OH. These modifications will improve the accuracy of our estimates of phosphorus traveling through tile drainage systems and will contribute to more effective management of agricultural land and water quality.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 Task 1.1: Thirty soils of diverse properties were collected, mostly possessing elevated agronomic P levels and from within the Western Lake Erie Basin. Topsoils (0-6 inches) and their respective subsoils (16-24 inches) were collected. All soils were characterized for agronomic P level (Mehlich-3 P), pH, water extractable P, organic matter, particle size distribution, amorphous Al and Fe, and total dissolved carbon. Objective 2 Tasks 2.1 and 2.2: We have investigated options for improving simulation of phosphorus to tile drains and modified the SWAT2012 source code to include phosphorus contribution from matrix flow through soils.Some preliminary source code modifications were implemented to test SWAT model's sensitivity to changes in the routing of tile drainage flow through crack volume versus soil matrix. Objective 3 Task 3.1: Water quality data has been collected using edge-of-field monitoring from agricultural fields with elevated soil test phosphorus concentrations. This data was analyzed using soil P concentration and soil textures to predict P concentrations.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Penn, C. J., Williams, M. R., Camberato, J., Wenos, N., & Wason, H. (2022). Desorption kinetics of legacy soil phosphorus: Implications for non-point transport and plant uptake. Soil Systems, 6(1), 6.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Kalcic, M., Mehan, S., Prasad, L., Thompson, A. Improving Watershed Model (SWAT) Simulation of Wintertime Nutrient Transport. Oral presentation at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Water Resources Association Wisconsin Section, Wisconsin Dells, March 16-17, 2023
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