Fluvial Geomorphology and Nutrient
Processing in Low-Order Streams in Midwestern Tile-Drained
Agricultural Landscapes
Bruce Wilson, Professor
Andy Ward, Professor, The Ohio State University
John Nieber, Professor
Gary Sands, Assistant Professor
Brad Hansen, Assistant Scientist
Tim Sundby, Graduate Student
Funding Source
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Objective
The overall goal of the study is to quantify the extent that
agricultural drainage ditches can reduce nitrogen loading
and to identify management practices that increase nitrogen
removal while maintaining economic viability. Objectives in
Minnesota are to:
- Gather geomorphoric data for drainage ditches and natural
streams,
- Develop regional curves to describe the characteristics
of the Objective 1 data set, and
- Evaluate the usefulness of the Ohio Two-Stage Drainage
Ditch for Minnesota conditions.
Need or Impact
The Ohio State University has investigated the role of fluvial
processes in establishing features in drainage ditches that
correspond to those observed in natural channels. Of particular
importance are their conclusions that the formation of natural-channel
features is predictable and are associated with high tile
discharge events. Most of their work has been done using drainage
ditches in Ohio. The University of Minnesota will be investigating
the applicability of their approach for Minnesota conditions.
Project Status
The geomorphologic characteristics of many Minnesota drainage
ditches have been measured. Regression analyses have been
performed to develop regional curves.
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