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Relating carbon and nitrogen transport from constructed farm drainage

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  • Jones, Christopher S.
  • Schilling, Keith E.
  • Seeman, Anthony

Abstract

Fertility and crop production in soils of the recently-glaciated agricultural Midwestern U.S. link to soil inorganic and organic carbon, soil nitrogen and nitrogen inputs. Research relating transport of each to the others through the constructed drainage network to receiving streams is sparse. The main objective of this work was to quantify and characterize concentrations and yields of inorganic and organic carbon (IC and OC) along with nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) using a four-year dataset that included discharge from two managed drainage districts in the Cornbelt state of Iowa. Our analysis shows loss of carbon through these constructed drainage networks averages 124 kg ha−1 yr−1 with more than 90% of this total in carbonate form and only 7% in organic forms, a small amount relative to soil organic stores. Transport of NO3-N can total as much as 97 kg ha−1 yr−1. Although loads of IC, OC and NO3-N all vary similarly with discharge, NO3-N is especially transport-limited. Elevated OC concentrations in March are likely linked to recent manure application to soil surfaces, with concentrations returning to a consistent baseline thereafter. Concentrations of IC are lowest at high flows, indicating dilution by fresh water from recent hydrologic events into the drainage system which disproportionately mobilize NO3-N compared to IC. Although yields of IC and OC to the drainage system indicate tile drainage does not threaten to deplete soil organic matter stores, returning the system to a condition where carbon and nitrogen cycle together could improve stream water quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Jones, Christopher S. & Schilling, Keith E. & Seeman, Anthony, 2019. "Relating carbon and nitrogen transport from constructed farm drainage," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 12-23.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:213:y:2019:i:c:p:12-23
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2018.10.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter A. Raymond & Neung-Hwan Oh & R. Eugene Turner & Whitney Broussard, 2008. "Anthropogenically enhanced fluxes of water and carbon from the Mississippi River," Nature, Nature, vol. 451(7177), pages 449-452, January.
    2. Singh, R. & Helmers, M.J. & Qi, Zhiming, 2006. "Calibration and validation of DRAINMOD to design subsurface drainage systems for Iowa's tile landscapes," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 85(3), pages 221-232, October.
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