Drainage water management to meet production and water goals in southwest Minnesota

Results from this field study showed the potential benefit of controlled/managed drainage root zone water management on mitigating NO3-N and DRP losses to surface water if implemented were appropriate in Minnesota. The NO3-N reduction was primarily due to reduction in drainage flow volume. However, the practice may constitute a problem with regard to DRP expert to surface waters, especially in April or when the drainage system is managed in spring for field operations. Implementation of Managed drainage resulted in a 45% reduction in drain flow volume when compared to conventional drainage at ths location in Minnesota. It was also observed implementing managed drainage could reduce annual NO3-N and DRP losses. Further research should be conducted to gain a a better understanding of the processes and mechanisms, of phosphorus solubility where drainage water management is implemented.