Obtaining CEUs

Many parts of the Midwest could not be farmed without subsurface tile drainage systems.  Additional tile are constantly being added to improve the potential productivity of some of our better soils. Improving drainage, can also have negative effects in removing too much water at some times during the growing season and also removing valuable nutrients that further become an environmental problem downstream.  Through the adoption of drainage water management (DWM) practices the rate of water loss can be controlled and the amount of nutrients leaving the field can be reduced.  Studies at 20 locations in 5 states recently showed the DWM practices reduced excess water losses by about 34% and resulted in 35% less nitrates flowing out of the tile lines.  Yield responses varied with the season and location, but ranged from 1.5% to 20%.  The installation of DWM technology adds about 10% to the cost of a new tile system.  Existing systems can often be retro-fitted for a slightly higher cost.  But the value of nutrients saved and potential yield increase at today’s fertilizer and crop prices make this a practice well worth investigating.  And the additional positive effects on downstream water resources are an added bonus.  NRCS has awarded ADMC a new Conservation Innovation Grant to study saturated buffer systems at 9 locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa for the next 3 years. This program will enhance our understanding and experience on how to make buffer strips along streams and ditches more effective in removing nutrients from water flowing from field tile systems. NRCS has launched a national program to promote the use of DWM, along with programs to provide incentive payments to help share the costs of design and implementation of DWM systems.  ADMC is providing training and certification programs for conservation personnel, Technical Service Providers, and Certified Crop Advisers. Further details may be obtained from NRCS or from ADMC.