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Demonstration Measuring the Effectiveness of Buffer in Treating Runoff from Underground Outlet (UGO)
Underground outlets are commonly used throughout the Midwest to convey runoff water from terrace channels to a stable outlet from agricultural fields. A stable outlet is, in most cases, the nearest watercourse or stream. This leaves no opportunity for infiltration of pesticides or nutrients before they enter streams. An extensive literature review by NRCS and MDNR found that water quality monitoring specific to UGOs with buffers has not been conducted. The priority watershed will be the Mark Twain Lake North Fork of the Salt River watershed, a tributary to Mark Twain Lake located in northeast Missouri.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The overall goal of this project is to demonstrate the effectiveness of vegetative buffers that are designed to maximize infiltration before runoff enters nearby streams. Bubble up outlets, which are designed to discharge into vegetative areas, will be used to demonstrate this innovative approach of runoff treatment. Work has been done with wetlands to measure their effectiveness; however, buffers strips that would be eligible for USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) incentive payments have not been tested regarding UGOs. As TMDLs move to the implementation phase, agriculture must be in a position to offer producers approaches that are effective in treatment of runoff from UGOs. To gain information that will provide a better understanding of the variables which affect the quality of water in runoff from agricultural fields, this project will help accelerate the implementation of farming practices that improve water quality while maintaining or improving farm profitability. This project will also enable policy-makers to make more informed decisions based on accurate information. This project may assist USDA-NRCS in adopting outlet designs that improve water quality and also make appropriate changes in CRP buffer designs that also improve water quality.
Effect on water quality will be evaluated on agricultural fields using automatic water sampling devices for three growing seasons. Two side by side trials will be conducted on a farm to demonstrate the effectiveness of 50 to 120 feet buffers depending on site selection, which are the minimum and maximum widths allowed for CRP incentive payments. Depending on the demonstration sites, design modifications may be required to encourage unconcentrated sheet flow and infiltration of water being discharged from the bubble up outlets. Conventional cool season grass species will be compared to stiff-stemed native grass species or a combination of diverse species to measure infiltration capacity. Flow volume data will have to be collected at the end of the buffer area. An information and education campaign will be conducted in conjunction with the current WRASP project that would include distribution of written material, landowner meetings, conferences, exhibits, field days and tours. Financial incentives will be provided to demonstration landowners.
The objective of the project is to show that buffers can be designed to reduce the amount of pesticides and nutrients entering streams from UGOs. Given that water quality monitoring specific to UGOs with buffers has not been conducted, the actual reductions in pollutants are unknown. However, the expected results are that properly designed buffers will remove 10-25% of the Atrazine and Nitrogen in runoff and at least 50% of the phosphorus and sediment over three growing seasons. Funds appropriated through USDA-ARS will support the water quality analysis. A quality assurance project plan (QAPP) will be develop and approved be DNR before environmental sampling begins.
To determine whether the buffer area is accumulating phosphorus, a soil analysis for phosphorus will be conducted at the beginning of the project and at the end of the project. The area will be left undisturbed or mowed annually without forage removal. Hay removal may be required from the buffer area to remove phosphorus.
PRODUCTS AND OBJECTIVES
1. Install field level modified bubble up outlets, weir boxes, flumes, and samplers at the demonstration site.
2. Conduct all needed land modifications and establish vegetative species in year one.
3. Collect land use information at project sites. Information will concern land resources (soils, topography, etc.) and management practices (tillage, herbicides, application methods, rates, nutrients, etc.) and rainfall data.
4. Conduct laboratory analysis on water collected at UGO demonstration sites through field sampling.
5. Conduct flow volumes from buffer areas to measure infiltration of different forage species.
6. Develop and implement an information/education program. Provide for written material, landowner meetings, conferences, exhibits, field days, and tours.
PROJECT SPONSOR
Environmental Resources Coalition (ERC)
COOPERATING AGENCIES
USDA-ARS
CONTACT
Environmental Resources Coalition (ERC)
3118 Emerald Ln.
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Steve Taylor 573-893-4181
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