181 Management of Agricultural Drainage Water to Maximize Production and Environmental Benefits

Oral Session

Special Sessions The recent boom in installation and replacement of tile drainage systems in the Midwest and Upper Great Plains has presented an opportunity to be proactive in not only increasing crop yields but also protecting water resources and mitigating potential negative impacts. The USDA - NRCS has initiated an aggressive effort to increase the adoption of drainage water management and associated conservation practices through a systems approach. When used as part of a comprehensive nutrient management system, drainage water management can significantly reduce nitrate losses from agricultural fields. This session presents the core goals the NRCS is striving for and how Technical Service Providers will be used to assist in getting the practices on the land with producers.