Seasonal Changes in Flow and Nitrate-N Loss from Subsurface Drains

Bjorneberg, David L.; Kanwar, Rameshwar S.; Melvin, Stewart W.

doi:10.13031/2013.27582

Cited by 72 publications

(73 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The AA (1990)(1991)(1992)(1993) treatments observed and predicted Nloss was more than 10 kg N/ha higher than the other four chemical fertilizer treatments (Table 4) because drought conditions in 1988 and 1989 reduced crop yield and produced no drain resulting in high soil N in 1990 and 1991 (Bjorneberg et al, 1996). Corn yield was generally over-predicted for chemical-N treatment groups except for the soybean/corn, chisel plow, AA treatment [AA(SC, CP), Fig.…”

Section: Anhydrous Ammonia (Aa) N Applicationmentioning

confidence: 94%

Simulated N management effects on corn yield and tile-drainage nitrate loss

Malone

Heilman

et al. 2007

Geoderma

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Thoroughly tested simulation models are needed to help quantify the long-term effects of agriculture. We evaluated the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) response to different N management strategies and then used the tested model with observed weather data from 1961-2003 to quantify long-term effects on corn (Zea mays L.) yield and flow weighted nitrate-N concentration in subsurface "tile" drainage water (Nconc). Fourteen years (1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003) of field data from 30, 0.4 ha plots in northeast Iowa were available for model testing. Annual crop yield, nitrate-N loss to subsurface "tile" drainage water (Nloss), Nconc, and subsurface "tile" drainage amount (drain) for various management scenarios were averaged over plots and years to create five chemical fertilizer and five swine manure treatments. Predicted corn yield and Nconc for the 10 treatments were significantly correlated with observed data (R 2 > 0.83). The Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) were 15% and 18% of its observed average Nconc for chemical fertilizer and manure treatments, respectively. Corresponding RMSEs for corn yields were 8% and 10% of its observed average corn yields for chemical fertilizer and manure treatments. The long-term simulations indicate that average corn yield plateaus and Nloss accelerates as quadratic functions of increasing spring UAN-N rates from 100 to 200 kg N/ha. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sowed after corn and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] harvest was predicted to reduce long-term Nloss by 5 to 6 kg N/ha, which appears consistent with published field studies and may be a treatment to ameliorate agricultural management with potential for elevated Nloss such as swine manure application to soybean. The results suggest that after calibration and thorough testing, RZWQM can be used to quantify the relative effects of corn production and Nconc under several alternative management practices. RightsWorks produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted. AbstractThoroughly tested simulation models are needed to help quantify the long-term effects of agriculture. We evaluated the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) response to different N management strategies and then used the tested model with observed weather data from 1961-2003 to quantify long-term effects on corn (Zea mays L.) yield and flow weighted nitrate-N concentration in subsurface "tile" drainage water (Nconc). Fourteen years (1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003) of field data from 30, 0.4 ha plots in northeast Iowa were available for model testing. Annual crop yield, nitrate-N loss to subsurface "tile" drainage water (Nloss), Nconc, and subsurface "tile" drainage amount (drain) for various management scenarios were averaged over plots and years to create five chemical fertilizer and five swine manure treatments. Predicted...

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Section: Anhydrous Ammonia (Aa) N Applicationmentioning

confidence: 94%

Simulated N management effects on corn yield and tile-drainage nitrate loss

Malone

Heilman

et al. 2007

Geoderma

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“…Maximum nutrient concentrations in both wetland types were observed in the spring (April and May) of both years. In Iowa, 45-85% of the annual nitrate loss through subsurface drains typically occurred in the spring and fall when crops were not growing (Bjorneberg et al, 1996) indicating a potentially higher exposure to both chorus frogs (early breeders) and leopard frogs that overwinter in the wetlands. With the exception of one sample, nitrate values in restored wetlands made up between 86 and 105% of the total dissolved nitrogen in the system.…”

Section: Water and Sediment Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Pesticide concentrations in frog tissue and wetland habitats in a landscape dominated by agriculture

Smalling

Reeves

Muths

et al. 2015

Science of The Total Environment

122

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Habitat loss and exposure to pesticides are likely primary factors contributing to amphibian decline in agricultural landscapes. Conservation efforts have attempted to restore wetlands lost through landscape modifications to reduce contaminant loads in surface waters and providing quality habitat to wildlife. The benefits of this increased wetland area, perhaps especially for amphibians, may be negated if habitat quality is insufficient to support persistent populations. We examined the presence of pesticides and nutrients in water and sediment as indicators of habitat quality and assessed the bioaccumulation of pesticides in the tissue of twonative amphibian species Pseudacris maculata (chorus frogs) and Lithobates pipiens (leopard frogs) at six wetlands (3 restored and 3 reference) in Iowa, USA. Restored wetlands are positioned on the landscape to receive subsurface tile drainage water while referencewetlands receive water fromoverland run-off and shallow groundwater sources. Concentrations of the pesticides frequently detected inwater and sediment samples were not different between wetland types. The median concentration of atrazine in surface water was 0.2 μg/ L. Reproductive abnormalities in leopard frogs have been observed in other studies at these concentrations. Nutrient concentrations were higher in the restored wetlands but lower than concentrations thought lethal to frogs. Complex mixtures of pesticides including up to 8 fungicides, some previously unreported in tissue, were detected with concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 1500 μg/kg wet weight. No significant differences in pesticide concentrations were observed between species, although concentrations tended to be higher in leopard frogs compared to chorus frogs, possibly because of differences in life histories. Our results provide information on habitat quality in restored wetlands that will assist state and federal agencies, landowners, and resource managers in identifying and implementing conservation and management actions for these and similar wetlands in agriculturally dominated landscapes. RightsWorks produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted. H I G H L I G H T S• Habitat quality was similar between restored and reference wetlands in Iowa.• Complex mixtures of pesticides are detected in frog tissues (liver and whole body).• The number of fungicides (up to 8) in frog tissues is largest reported to date.• Life history has the potential to impact pesticide bioaccumulation in frogs. Habitat loss and exposure to pesticides are likely primary factors contributing to amphibian decline in agricultural landscapes. Conservation efforts have attempted to restore wetlands lost through landscape modifications to reduce contaminant loads in surface waters and providing quality habitat to wildlife. The benefits of this increased wetland area, perhaps especially for amphibians, may be negated if habitat quality is insufficient t...

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“…The excellent correlation confirms that APSIM accurately responds to treatment differences from 1988 through 1991. A drought in 1988 and 1989 resulted in no observed drainage and low observed corn yields, and thus a buildup of soil nitrate (Bjorneberg et al, 1996). Plot 25 leached much more nitrate in 1990 and 1991 than plot 24 because plot 25 was under continuous corn through 1993 and received higher N application each year; plot 24 was under a soybean corn rotation through 1992 (Table 1).…”

Section: Nitrate Loss and Concentration In Tile Drainsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating and predicting agricultural management effects under tile drainage using modified APSIM

et al. 2007

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An accurate and management sensitive simulation model for tile-drained Midwestern soils is needed to optimize the use of agricultural management practices (e.g., winter cover crops) to reduce nitrate leaching without adversely affecting corn yield. Our objectives were to enhance the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) for tile drainage, test the modified model for several management scenarios, and then predict nitrate leaching with and without winter wheat cover crop. Twelve years of data (1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001) from northeast Iowa were used for model testing. Management scenarios included continuous corn and corn-soybean rotations with single or split N applications. For 38 of 44 observations, yearly drain flow was simulated within 50 mm of observed for low drainage (< 100 mm) or within 30% of observed for high drain flow. Corn yield was simulated within 1500 kg/ha for 12 of 24 observations. For 30 of 45 observations yearly nitrate-N loss in tile drains was simulated within 10 kg N/ha for low nitrate-N loss (< 20 kg N/ha) or within 30% of observed for high nitrate-N loss. Several of the poor yield and nitrate-N loss predictions appear related to poor N-uptake simulations. The model accurately predicted greater corn yield under split application kg N/ha) compared to single 110 kg N/ha application and higher drainage and nitrate-N loss under continuous corn compared to corn/soybean rotations. A winter wheat cover crop was predicted to reduce nitrate-N loss 38% (341 vs. 537 kg N/ha with and without cover) under 41-years of corn-soybean rotations and 150 kg N/ha applied to corn. These results suggest that the modified APSIM model is a promising tool to help estimate the relative effect of alternative management practices under fluctuating high water tables. RightsWorks produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted. AbstractAn accurate and management sensitive simulation model for tile-drained Midwestern soils is needed to optimize the use of agricultural management practices (e.g., winter cover crops) to reduce nitrate leaching without adversely affecting corn yield. Our objectives were to enhance the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) for tile drainage, test the modified model for several management scenarios, and then predict nitrate leaching with and without winter wheat cover crop. Twelve years of data (1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001) from northeast Iowa were used for model testing. Management scenarios included continuous corn and corn-soybean rotations with single or split N applications. For 38 of 44 observations, yearly drain flow was simulated within 50 mm of observed for low drainage (b 100 mm) or within 30% of observed for high drain flow. Corn yield was simulated within 1500 kg/ha for 12 of 24 observations. For 30 of 45 observations yearly nitrate-N loss in tile ...

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Seasonal Changes in Flow and Nitrate-N Loss from Subsurface Drains

Cited by 72 publications

References 24 publications

Simulated N management effects on corn yield and tile-drainage nitrate loss

Simulated N management effects on corn yield and tile-drainage nitrate loss

Pesticide concentrations in frog tissue and wetland habitats in a landscape dominated by agriculture

Evaluating and predicting agricultural management effects under tile drainage using modified APSIM

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