Impact of Managed Subsurface Drainage On Forage Production and Nitrogen Loss.

Due to increased cost of feed grain, increasing forage production may be the best way to improve livestock production. Managed subsurface drainage systems in poorly-drained soils could be used to improve forage production by minimizing excessive soil moisture conditions in the spring, while having the ability to conserve water in the summer when drought conditions can occur. Additionally, the use of managed subsurface drainage systems in forage production should have a low environmental impact due to low nutrient inputs via fertilizers and the ability to minimize the amount water drained over the winter period via the tile drains. A four year subsurface drainage study was initiated in NE Missouri on a Blackoar soil in forage production (winter rye, sorghum) starting in June, 2010.  The objectives of this research are to (i) elucidate the impact of conventional or managed subsurface drainage systems on forage production and (ii) nitrogen loss in the tile drainage water.  Data is currently being analyzed at this time.