Evaluation of Saturated Buffers as a Conservation Drainage Practice

Title:  Evaluation of saturated buffers as a conservation drainage practice for treating agricultural subsurface drainage

Location:  Roland, Dysart, Ellsworth, Colo and Slater

Time Period:  2018-2020

Research Team:  Chris R. Rehmann, Michael A. Perez, Cassandra J. Rutherford, Thomas M. Isenhart, Dan B. Jaynes, Andrea R. McEachran and Loulou C. Dickey

Project Description:  This study involves the use of MODFLOW and analytical modeling to gain a better understanding of how saturated riparian buffers function, in terms of groundwater flow and nitrate transport and removal. Suggestions for improving the design of saturated riparian buffers in terms of nitrate removal will be made based on the findings from the models.

Publications:  McEachran, A.R., Dickey, L.C., Rehmann, C.R., Perez, M.A., Rutherford, C.J., and Groh, T.A. 2019 Effectiveness of saturated riparian buffers for removing nitrate from subsurface drainage, in preparation for J. Environmental Quality.

Funders:  Iowa Nutrient Research Center

Disclaimer:  This is an active research site, please contact the research team prior to planning any site visits.