Project ID: 2005MI60B

Title: Evaluation of Low-Disturbance Tillage in Mitigating the Transport of Bacterial Contaminants from Land Applied Dairy Slurry to Subsurface Drains

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Agriculture, Water Quality

Keywords: Subsurface drainage, tile line, manure management, bacteria, pathogens

Start Date: 03/01/2005

End Date: 02/28/2006

Federal Funds: $15,000

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $30,300

Congressional District: 8th

Principal Investigator:
Timothy M. Harrigan

Abstract

Twelve instrumented flumes were installed in subsurface drain laterals at a four-acre site in a clay-loam soil at the Bakerlads Dairy Farm in Lenawee County, Michigan. A low-disturbance rolling-tine aerator and a 3000 gallon tank spreader will be used to apply dairy liquid manure in large replicated plots directly over the tile laterals at 3000-, 6000-, and 12000 gallons per acre. Tile line flow volume will be monitored continuously throughout the project and tile effluent will be analyzed at pre-determined intervals for nutrient and fecal coliform concentration. This work will help to identify an environmentally responsible and site-specific application rate based on the ability of the soil to retain and process the manure nutrients and contaminants in the root zone.

Progress/Completion Report PDF