Gary Sands, PhD., Associate Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota was one of several presenters at the Agriculture and Water Summit 2010 in Bloomington on Saturday.
Dr. Sands, along with fellow professor Dr. Wilson, kicked off the full-day Summit with a presentation in the morning on "Conservation Strategies for Agricultural Drainage." Dr. Wilson presented on the history and importance of artificial agricultural drainage, while Dr. Sands asked, "what will the landscape look like tomorrow?"
Dr. Sands’ mantra, “golden rule of drainage: drain only what is necessary for good trafficability and crop growth – and not a drop more!” was a theme throughout his presentation. Drainage is a necessity in a high percentage of acres in the upper Midwest due to soil conditions and the fact that crop needs and rainfall don’t always match up,
Benefits of Improved Drainage
Drainage lowers water table, helps roots grow deeper, improves soil conditions and structure (avoids compaction damage), reduces salts, reduces surface runoff, and lessens flooding of low areas. Drainage also promotes timely field operations, reduces machinery wear-and-tear, reduces use of herb/pesticides and all chemicals, and improves crop quality (reduces crop stresses, increases yield, etc.). Nitrates, a major downstream problem due to fertilizers, are also reduced with the help of proper drainage.
Drainage Water Management Design Based on Good Field Data
There are several options for drainage design, according to Dr. Sands: bioreactors used with wood chips, two-stage ditches, architecture and spacing alternatives to the traditional tile drainage designs, and alternative surface inlets. Other drainage options include perforated rising to reduce sediment, nitrates & phosphorous and ditch modification and management.
Wetland restoration was also cited as an example of good water management to help drainage, reduce nitrates, and an important factor in conservation practices. Seven Mile Creek Watershed Project was cited as a good example of the benefits of wetland restoration. Check out this awesome photo journal of the project.
Can we get full drainage in the spring and fall and allow higher water table the rest of the year? With good drainage water management design, we can, asserted Dr. Sands. Technology now allows water control structures that are modifiable throughout the seasons.
Dr. Sands stressed the importance of implementing conservation practices in the management of the state’s water resources, citing research and statistics of successful field projects for agricultural drainage. He explained that planners and engineers need to take into account the impacts of land use: hydrology, habitat, water quality, etc. when designing and implementing artificial drainage for agriculture.
More Info:
Brief bio on Dr. Gary R. Sands, including links to his numerous current research projects.
Recap of Agriculture and Water Summit 2010, including list of many of the presenters and participating organizations with display tables.
Overview of Dr. Bruce Wilson's presentation at the Summit.
Educational hubpage on the University of Minnesota’s website for agricultural drainage educational offererings
More Information on Dr. Gary Sands
Dr. Sands is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Gary's research and extension programs in Minnesota and the upper Midwest focus on opportunities to address both production and water quality objectives in the design and management of drainage systems. This work encompasses field projects at three research stations, cooperating farms, and computer modeling activities.
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