Conservation Drainage Practices to Remove Nitrate From Tile Drain Water.

Subsurface drainage has increased dramatically in eastern South Dakota over the last several years. The proposed research will demonstrate the utility of using saturated buffers as a conservation drainage practice to remove nitrate from tile drain water. Data collected from the site will be used to evaluate the performance of conservation drainage practices, track installation costs and estimate the cost per pound nitrate removed. We expect the project will lead to improved recommendations for conservation drainage practices in South Dakota that maximizes the economic benefits of drainage and minimizes the potential negative environmental impacts. Producers will be able to evaluate which conservation practices that may work in their operation. In addition, the research will provide science-based drainage information form producers, policy makers and the public to make informed decisions about drainage. The installation and results will be incorporated into Extension programming and other SDSU outreach activities and released through a variety of outlets to maximize the benefits to the producers.