Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2017MN377B

Investigation of a novel approach to mitigate nitrogen and phosphorus from tile drainage

Institute: Minnesota
Year Established: 2017 Start Date: 2017-03-01 End Date: 2018-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $18,015 Total Non-Federal Funds: $36,029

Principal Investigators: Jeffrey Strock

Project Summary: This project offers the potential to remove significant quantities of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from entering into agricultural drainage ditches which carry the vast majority of nutrients that enter surface streams and rivers in the Midwestern region. The design of a novel bioreactor which removes N and P is installed parallel to an agricultural ditch and treats water from the outlet of subsurface tile drains. The bioreactor removes both N and P, which has not been the case with previously studied bioreactors that were designed to remove only N at the end of subsurface drains, or only P in regions where overland flow occurs. The bioreactor is also designed for ease of use and maintenance. This project should lead to greater sustainability of agricultural production in Midwestern regions where corn and soybeans are produced.