Project ID
E2014-08
Abstract
Subsurface drainage systems with surface inlets are widely used to divert water in crop producing areas, but pose problems because they can allow unfiltered, sediment-laden water to travel quickly to other waterways. The project tested several modest, uncomplicated inlet protection practices with potential to keep nutrient and sediment flows in check.
Key Question
Do surface inlets to tile drainage systems contribute to water quality problems in Iowa and are there viable alternative practices that can reduce their impact?
Findings
Current designs of surface inlets can allow water with high concentrations of sediment, sediment-bound phosphorus, and dissolved phosphorus to enter the drainage system. Blind inlets and filter socks amended with alum can reduce these concerns, but choosing the best practice to use will depend on site-specific conditions.
Principal Investigator(s)
Martin Shipitalo
Co-Investigator(s)
Mark Tomer
Year of Grant Completion
2015
Recommended Citation
Shipitalo, Martin J. and Tomer, Mark D., "Quantifying the effects of alternative surface inlet protection strategies on water quality" (2015). Leopold Center Completed Grant Reports. 478.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/leopold_grantreports/478
Included in
Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
