SIMULATING THE IMPACT OF DRAINAGE DESIGN IN A COLD CLIMATE WITH ADAPT1

ABSTRACT: Surface and subsurface drainage make crop production economically viable in much of southern Minnesota because drainage allows timely field operations and protects field crops from extended periods of flooded soil conditions. However, subsurface drainage has been shown to increase nitrate/nitrogen losses to receiving waters. When engaging in drainage activities, farmers are increasingly being asked to consider, apart from the economic profit, the environmental impact of drainage. The Agricultural Drainage and Pesticide Transport model (ADAPT) was used in this study to evaluate the impact of subsurface drainage design on the soil water balance over a two‐year period during which observed drainage discharge data were available. Twelve modeling scenarios incorporated four drainage coefficients (DC), 0.64 cm/d, 0.95 cm/d, 1.27 cm/d, and 1.91 cm/d, and three drain depths, 0.84 m, 1.15 m, and 1.45 m. The baseline condition corresponded to the drainage system specifications at the field site: a drain depth and spacing of 1.45 m and 28 m, respectively (DC of 0.64 cm/d). The results of the two‐year simulation suggested that for a given drainage coefficient, soils with the shallower drains (but equal DC) generally have less subsurface drainage and can produce more runoff (but reduced total discharge) and evapotranspiration. The results also suggested that it may be possible to design for both water/nitrate/nitrogen reduction and crop water needs.     

WATERSHED SCALING EFFECT ON BASE FLOW NITRATE,VALLEY AND RIDGE PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCE1

ABSTRACT: A study of stream base flow and NO₃‐N concentration was conducted simultaneously in 51 subwatersheds within the 116‐square‐kilometer watershed of East Mahantango Creek near Klingerstown, Pennsylvania. The study was designed to test whether measurable results of processes and observations within the smaller watersheds were similar to or transferable to a larger scale. Ancillary data on land use were available for the small and large watersheds. Although the source of land‐use data was different for the small and large watersheds, comparisons showed that the differences in the two land‐use data sources were minimal. A land use‐based water‐quality model developed for the small‐scale 7.3‐square‐kilometer watershed for a previous study accurately predicted NO₃‐N concentrations from sampling in the same watershed. The water‐quality model was modified and, using the imagery‐based land use, was found to accurately predict NO₃‐N concentrations in the subwatersheds of the large‐scale 116‐square‐kilometer watershed as well. Because the model accurately predicts NO₃‐N concentrations at small and large scales, it is likely that in second‐order streams and higher, discharge of water and NO₃‐N is dominated by flow from smaller first‐order streams, and the contribution of ground‐water discharge to higher order streams is minimal at the large scale.     

SPATIAL CLUSTERS OF SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE WATER NO3‐N LEACHING LOSSES1

ABSTRACT: Grouping of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) leaching losses from agricultural fields into spatial clusters can help determine the cause/effect relationships for their occurrence. This study was designed to investigate the spatial relationships of low, medium, and high NO₃‐N leaching losses clusters with soil and landscape attributes using cluster and discriminant analysis and the map overlay capability of a geographical information system (GIS). Field measured data of a six‐year (1993 through 1998) study on NO₃‐N leaching losses from 36 experimental fields at the Iowa State University's northeastern research center near Nashua, Iowa, were normalized on an annual basis to compare over the years. The cluster analysis resulted in the formation of three clusters based on the satisfactory evaluation criteria of pseudo‐F statistic, cubic clustering criterion, and R² values. The discriminant analysis, carried out on the basis of clusters, identified elevation and subsurface drainage as the factors that contributed significantly (p > 0.01) in discriminating among these clusters. The verification of discriminant functions developed on these factors predicted the cluster membership for all the groups with an overall accuracy of 86 percent. The map overlay analyses of GIS showed that spatial occurrence of the clusters transporting high NO₃‐N leaching losses was affected by the interaction of soil type and elevation levels.     

IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE WELL CLOSURE ON CROP PRODUCTION: A WATERSHED CASE STUDY1

ABSTRACT: Much of north-central Iowa is characterized by flat topography, shallow depressions, and poor natural surface drainage. Land drainage systems comprising of tile drains and agricultural drainage wells (ADWs) are used as outlets for subsurface drainage of cropland under corn and soybean production. Studies have shown that these drainage systems, mainly the ADWs, are potential routes for agricultural chemicals to underground aquifers. To protect the region's vital groundwater resource, researchers are evaluating alternative outlets ranging from complete closure of existing ADWs (and creation of wetlands) to continued use of ADWs and chemical management in a comprehensive policy framework. This paper presents the results of a study designed to provide government jurisdictions, farmers, and land managers information for assessing the impact of closing ADWs on crop production. The study couples a geographic information systems database for a 471-hectare watershed in Humboldt County, Iowa, with a groundwater flow model (MODFLOW) and an empirical crop yield loss model to predict long-term effects of complete closure of ADWs on crop production. The cropland areas inundated and the relative crop yield loss due to ADW closure are determined as a function of long-term climatic data. The results indicate that elimination of drainage outlets in the watershed could result in ponding of low-lying areas and poorly drained soils, making them unsuitable for crop production. Such wetness also decreases the efficiency of production in the no-ponding areas by isolating fields, and the crop yield loss can be reduced by an annual average of about 18 percent.     

DISTRIBUTION OF NITRATE AND ORTHOPHOSPHATE IN SELECTED STREAMS IN CENTRAL NEBRASKA1

ABSTRACT: The Central Nebraska Basins is one of 60 study units in the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the U.S. Geological Survey. The study unit includes the Platte River and two major tributaries, the Loup and Elkhorn Rivers. Agriculture is the predominant land use in the study unit, with only eight urbanized communities exceeding a population of 10,000. Water samples were collected from selected streams in the study unit during 1993–1995. The data were used to assess the distribution of nitrogen compounds and phosphorus in the streams and to relate the concentrations of these constituents to environmental settings. This article focuses on dissolved nitrate and orthophosphate. Dissolved nitrate concentrations were highest (90th percentiles were less than 7.0 milligrams per liter as nitrogen) in areas with extensive cropland and pasture, where chemical fertilizers are intensively applied. Synoptic measurements conducted in March and August 1994 indicate that relatively little residual fertilizer, as nitrate, applied during a single crop-growing season enters streams. Dissolved nitrate concentrations showed a seasonal pattern, being highest during winter months and lowest during the late spring and summer. Dissolved orthophosphate concentrations tended to be low across the study unit, 90 percent of all analyses did not exceed 1.7 milligrams per liter as phosphorus.     

DRAINAGE GENERATION AND WATER USE IN THE EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL AREA BASIN1

ABSTRACT: The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) covers 2,850 km² in area and is characterized by high water table and organic soil. The area is actively irrigated and drained as a function of weather conditions and crop status. Anthropogenic activities in the basin have resulted in nutrient-enriched drainage water that is discharged to Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades ecosystem. Water quantity and quality issues of the basin have become of increasing interest at local, state, and federal levels, so legislative and regulatory measures have been taken to improve water quality in discharges from the basin. In this study, simulation of hydrologic conditions and soil moisture were conducted using 100 years of daily synthetic rainfall data. From the simulations, the statistical distribution of half-month drainage discharge and supplemental water use in the basin was developed. The mean annual drainage/runoff was 49 cm, the mean supplemental water was 30 cm, and the mean annual a real rainfall was 122 cm. On the average, drainage exceeded supplemental water use in the months of June to September while from December to March drainage and supplemental water use were equivalent. Supplemental water use exceeded drainage in the months of October, November, April, and May. High drainage occurred in June and September; smallest drainage was in February. On the average, the highest supplemental water use occurred in May and November. The 10-year return period of annual drainage during wet and dry cycles were 60 cm and 38 cm per year, respectively. The semi-monthly drainage coefficient of variation (cv) is above 100 percent for the period from the second half of October to end of April. The cv is lower than 100 percent for the remaining season (wet season). The purpose of this paper is to present the magnitude, temporal, and frequency distribution of drainage runoff generation and supplemental water use in the EAA basin. Information on statistics of drainage will contribute to the optimization of the design and operation of drainage water treatment systems.     

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF A DRAINAGE SIMULATION MODEL1

A sensitivity analysis of a computer model, simulating major water and nitrogen processes of a soil-water-plant-climatic system on an annual basis, was conducted to determine how the model reacts to the variations in selected hydrologic and nitrogen parameters. Two major output variables (namely, total subsurface drain volume and cumulative nitrate loss with subsurface drain water) were selected for the sensitivity analysis. Model sensitivity analysis shows that the model is most sensitive to hydrologic parameters. The model is very sensitive to variations in the initial water content in the soil profile.     

AGRICULTURAL LAND USE EFFECTS ON NITRATE CONCENTRATIONS IN A MATURE KARST AQUIFER1

ABSTRACT: The impact on water quality by agricultural activity in karst terrain is an important consideration for resource management within the Appalachian Region. Karst areas comprise about 18 percent of the Region's land area. An estimated one-third of the Region's farms, cattle, and agricultural market value are on karst terrain. Nitrate concentrations were measured in cave streams draining two primary land management areas. The first area was pasture serving a beef cow-calf operation. The second area was a dairy. Nitrate-N concentrations were highest in cave streams draining the dairy and a cave stream draining an area of pasture where cattle congregate for shade and water. The dairy contributed about 60 to 70 percent of the nitrogen load increase in the study section of the cave system. It was concluded that agriculture was significantly affecting nitrate concentrations in the karst aquifer. Best management practices may be one way to protect the ground water resource.     

WATER BUDGET ANALYSIS FOR THE EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL AREA DRAINAGE BASIN1

ABSTRACT: Water budget studies are essential for water resources and environmental management. In this study, a water budget analysis is presented for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in South Florida for the period from 1973 to 1991. The EAA is a highly productive irrigation/drainage basin that has a high water table and organic soils. Water quality problems are associated with the drainage discharge from the basin. During dry periods, supplemental water is used for irrigation and in rainy periods excess water with relatively higher phosphorus content is pumped out of the basin to Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades ecosystem. Elevated concentrations of phosphorus in the runoff/drainage that is discharged from the EAA basin have created water quality problems. The mean surface water inflow to the basin was 63,990 ha-m, and the outflow was 131,447 ha-m per year. On the average, supplemental surface water use was 47,411 ha-m, and runoff/drainage was 114,816 ha-m per year. The mean annual basin rainfall was 120.9 cm. A general trend in the decline of the wet season rainfall is observed.     

ESTIMATING ATRAZINE LEACHING IN THE MIDWEST1

Data from seven Management Systems Evaluation Areas (MSEA) were used to test the sensitivity of a leaching model, Pesticide Root Zone Model-2, to a variety of hydrologic settings in the Midwest. Atrazine leaching was simulated because it was prevalent in the MSEA studies and is frequently detected in the region's groundwater. Short-term simulations used site specific soil and chemical parameters. Generalized simulations used data avail. able from regional soil databases and standardized variables. Accurate short-term simulations were precluded by lack of antecedent atrazine concentrations in the soil profile and water, suggesting that simulations using data for less than five years underestimate atrazine leaching. The seven sites were ranked in order of atrazine detection frequency (concentration > 0.2 μg L^-1) in soil water at 2 m depth in simulations. The rank order of the sites based on long-term simulations were similar to the ranks of sites based on atrazine detection frequency from groundwater monitoring. Simulations with Map Unit Use File (MUUF) soils data were more highly correlated with ranks of observed atrazine detection frequencies than were short-term simulations using site-specific soil data. Simulations using the MIJUIF data for soil parameters were sufficiently similarity to observed atrazine detection to allow the credible use of regional soils data for simulating leaching with PRZM-2 in a variety of Midwest soil and hydrologic conditions. This is encouraging for regional modeling efforts because soil parameters are among the most critical for operating PRZM-2 and many other leaching models.     

A SIMPLIFIED STREAM MODEL OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE EFFECTS1

ABSTRACT: Three methods of modeling acid mine drainage effects are discussed. A net alkalinity routing model is the simplest of these, but can be potentially misleading. It typically overestimates the effect of acid sources on pH by neglecting carbon dioxide transfer to the atmosphere. Inclusion of a simple carbon dioxide transfer function can substantially reduce errors in stream quality prediction. A plug flow reaeration equation, coupled with mass balancing at mixing points in a stream network provides modeling results comparable to those of more complex computerized solutions of chemical equilibrium equations. None of the models accounts for carbonate dissolution or oxidation and hydrolysis of ferrous iron.     

RELATION OF NITRATE CONCENTRATIONS TO BASEFLOW IN THE RACCOON RIVER,IOWA1

ABSTRACT: Excessive nitrate‐nitrogen (nitrate) export from the Raccoon River in west central Iowa is an environmental concern to downstream receptors. The 1972 to 2000 record of daily streamflow and the results from 981 nitrate measurements were examined to describe the relation of nitrate to streamflow in the Raccoon River. No long term trends in streamflow and nitrate concentrations were noted in the 28‐year record. Strong seasonal patterns were evident in nitrate concentrations, with higher concentrations occurring in spring and fall. Nitrate concentrations were linearly related to streamflow at daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual time scales. At all time scales evaluated, the relation was improved when baseflow was used as the discharge variable instead of total streamflow. Nitrate concentrations were found to be highly stratified according to flow, but there was little relation of nitrate to streamflow within each flow range. Simple linear regression models developed to predict monthly mean nitrate concentrations explained as much as 76 percent of the variability in the monthly nitrate concentration data for 2001. Extrapolation of current nitrate baseflow relations to historical conditions in the Raccoon River revealed that increasing baseflow over the 20th century could account for a measurable increase in nitrate concentrations.     

REGIONAL NITRATE LEACHING VARIABILITY: WHAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN NORTHEASTERN COLORADO

ABSTRACT: The high spatial variability of nitrate concentrations in ground water of many regions is thought to be closely related to spatially-variable leaching rates from agricultural activities. To clarify the relative roles of the different nitrate leaching controlling variables under irrigated agriculture in northeastern Colorado, we conducted an extensive series of leaching simulations with the NLEAP model using best estimates of local agricultural practices. The results of these simulations were then used with GIS to estimate the spatial variability of leachate quality for a 14,000 ha area overlying the alluvial aquifer of the South Platte River. Simulations showed that in the study area, differences in soil type might lead to 5–10 kg/ha of N variation in annual leaching rates while variability due to crop rotations was as much as 65 kg-N/ha for common rotations. Land application of manure from confined animal feeding operations may account for more than 100 kg-N/ha additional leaching. For a selected index rotation, the simulated nitrogen leaching rates across the area varied from 10 to 299 kg/ha and simulated water volumes leached ranged from 13 to 76 cm/yr depending on soil type, irrigation type, and use of manure. Resulting leachate concentrations of 3.5–140 mg/l NO₃ as N were simulated. Land application of manure was found to be the most important factor determining the mass flux of nitrate leached and the combination of sprinkler irrigation and manure application yields the highest leachate concentrations.     

NITRATE CONCENTRATIONS IN GROUNDWATER BENEATH A BEEF CATTLE FEEDLOT1

ABSTRACT. A study of nitrate concentration in the groundwater beneath a beef cattle feedlot near Central City, Nebraska was started in 1968. An intensive 3-day pumping study was conducted at the feedlot at the start of 1970 irrigation system. Little nitrate concentration was found in the ground-water coming from beneath the feedlot. Pumping caused a slight increase in nitrate concentration over the average concentration for the previous 2 years.     

MODELING STREAMFLOW FROM ARTIFICIALLY DRAINED AGRICULTURAL WATERSHEDS IN ILLINOIS1

ABSTRACT: Evaluation of the applicability and validity of hydrologic simulation models for various cropping systems in different hydrogeologic and soil conditions is needed for a range of spatial scales. We calibrated and tested the ADAPT model for simulating streamflow from 552 to 1,985 km² watersheds in central Illinois, where more than 79 percent of the land is used for maize‐soybean production and tile drainage is common. Model calibration was performed with a seven year period (1987 through1993) of measured streamflow from one of the watersheds, and model testing was done using independent weather and measured streamflow data from the two neighboring watersheds for the same seven year period. Simulations of annual streamflow were accurate with a coefficient of determination and Willmott's index of agreement of 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. For simulation of monthly streamflow, Willmott's index of agreement ranged from 0.93 to 0.95. For simulation of daily streamflow, Willmott's index of agreement ranged from 0.84 to 0.85. The daily simulations challenged the temporal and spatial resolution of our measured precipitation data. Discrepancies between simulated and measured data may result from the model's inability to effectively address frozen soils and snowmelt runoff processes and in accurately representing evapotranspiration.     

REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF NLEAP NO3-N LEACHING INDICES1

ABSTRACT: Nonpoint source ground water contamination by nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) leached from agricultural lands can be substantial and increase health risks to humans and animals. Accurate and rapid methods are needed to identify and map localities that have a high potential for contamination of shallow aquifers with NO₃-N leached from agriculture. Evaluation of Nitrate Leaching and Economic Analysis Package (NLEAP) indices and input variables across an irrigated agricultural area on an alluvial aquifer in Colorado indicated that all leaching indices tested were more strongly correlated with aquifer NO₃-N concentration than with aquifer N mass. Of the indices and variables tested, the NO₃-N Leached (NL) index was the NLEAP index most strongly associated with groundwater NO₃-N concentration (r² values from 0.37 to 0.39). NO₃-N concentration of the leachate was less well correlated with ground water NO₃-N concentration (r² values from 0.21 to 0.22). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that, although inorganic and organic/inorganic fertilizer scenarios had similar r² values, the Feedlot Indicator (proximity) variable was significant over and above the NO₃-N Leached index for the inorganic scenario. The analysis also showed that combination of either Movement Risk Index (MIRI) or NO₃-N concentration of the leachate with the NO₃-N Leached index leads to an improved regression, which provides insight into area-wide associations between agricultural activities and ground water NO₃-N concentration.     

WATERSHED AND LAKE WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT: AN INTEGRATED MODELING APPROACH1

Watershed planning groups and action agencies seek to understand how lake water quality responds to changes in watershed management. This study developed and demonstrated the applicability of an integrated modeling approach for providing this information. An integrated model linking watershed conditions to water-quality of the receiving lake incorporated the following components: (1) an event-based AGNPS model to estimate watershed pollutant losses; (2) annualization of AGNPS results to produce annual lake pollutant loadings; (3) a base flow separation package, SAM, to estimate base flow; (4) estimates of nutrients in base flow and point sources; and (5) linkage of watershed loadings directly to EUTROMOD lake water quality algorithms. Results are presented for Melvern Lake, a 28-km² multipurpose reservoir with a 900-km² agricultural watershed in east central Kansas. Reasonable estimates of current lake quality were attained using an average phosphorus availability factor of 31 percent to calibrate model results to measured in-lake phosphorus. Comparison of a range of possible scenarios, including all cropland changed to no-till (best case) and all CRP and good-condition grasslands changed to cropland (worst case), indicated only a (4 percent change for in-lake phosphorus and a (2 percent change for chlorophyll a. These results indicated that this watershed is not sensitive to projected changes in land use and management.     

HYDROLOGIC LANDSCAPES ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA PART 1: DRAINAGE BASIN TYPE AND BASE-FLOW CHEMISTRY1

ABSTRACT: The relation between landscape characteristics and water chemistry on the Delmarva Peninsula can be determined through a principal-component analysis of basin characteristics. Two basin types were defined by factor scores: (1) well-drained basins, characterized by combinations of a low percentage of forest cover, a low percentage of poorly drained soil, and elevated channel slope; and (2) poorly drained basins, characterized by a combinations of an elevated percentage of forest cover, an elevated percentage of poorly drained soil, and low channel slopes. Results from base-flow sampling of 29 basins during spring 1991 indicate that water chemistry of the two basin types differ significantly. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, alkalinity, chloride, and nitrate are elevated in well-drained basins, and specific conductance is elevated. Concentrations of aluminum, dissolved organic carbon, sodium, and silica are elevated in poorly drained basins whereas specific conductance is low. The chemical patterns found in well-drained basins can be attributed to the application of agricultural chemicals, and those in poorly drained basins can be attributed to ground-water flowpaths. These results indicate that basin types determined by a quantitative analysis of basin characteristics can be related statistically to differences in base-flow chemistry, and that the observed statistical differences can be related to major processes that affect water chemistry.     

APPLICATION OF CROP YIELD FUNCTIONS IN RESERVOIR OPERATION1

ABSTRACT: A model is developed for real-time operation of an irrigation reservoir with the objective of maximizing the value of multiple crop yields during a growing season. The model employs monthly additive and product forms of crop yield functions for dry matter and grain crops, respectively. The resulting nonlinear optimization model uses a log transform to reduce nonlinearities in the model. An application of the proposed model is compared to a common operating rule used in simulation models. The proposed model results were better in terms of net benefits from crop yields. The model uses GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System) language. It requires an IBM-compatible microcomputer and is suitable for use by a reservoir manager.     

ESTIMATING DRAINAGE AREA ON STEEP UNIFORM SLOPES1

ABSTRACT: A study was conducted to derive a simple procedure for estimating the tributary drainage area that may potentially develop at the base of a uniformly graded, steep slope. Data were extracted from a nil development flume study in which 112 rills and their tributary drainage areas were documented. The tributary drainage area for each rill was correlated to the slope length and the slope gradient. The findings are considered applicable to planar, convex, and divergent slopes with lengths of up to 130 m. Field verification is needed to extend the applicability of the relation.