Submitted to: ASAE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 10, 2004
Publication Date: August 3, 2004
Citation: Baker, B.J., Allred, B.J., Fausey, N.R. 2004. Impact of a wetland reservoir subirrigation system (WRSIS) in Ohio on water quality parameters and crop yields. American Society of Agricultural Engineers International Meeting. Paper No. 042133. Technical Abstract: Intensive subsurface drainage of agricultural lands can have adverse consequences on the quality of nearby surface water. An innovative agricultural water management practice involving capture, treatment, storage, and reuse of drainage water is being tested in northwest Ohio with the goals of reducing non-point source pollution and improving crop yield. A wetland reservoir subirrigation system (WRSIS) is comprised of three interconnected components; a wetland, a water storage reservoir, and cropland containing an underground pipe network for drainage and subirrigation, depending on crop needs. Results include the efficiency of the treatment wetlands for reduction of sediment, organic carbon, nitrate, ammonia, and phosphate in terms of total kilograms of the constituent per precipitation event and crop yields. The WRSIS system, if successful in meeting its goals, will provide an alternative approach to conventional subsurface drainage in the Midwest United States.