Drainage Water Management for Midwestern Row Crop Agriculture

The Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition will promote and characterize the unique technology of drainage water management (DWM). This innovative multi-state project will develop a set of regional recommendations that are necessary to facilitate and encourage the widespread adoption of DWM. Farmers will play a central role in assessing the economic effects of DWM on farm profitability. Each pilot farm will use the latest technologies, including satellite-controlled water control structures, resulting in a truly managed water table by farming landowners. Through implementation of the project, significant data will be obtained to document nutrient savings from DWM, a necessary step in nutrient trading. The Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition will use non-conventional outreach methods, such as farm forums, to utilize farmer-to-farmer contact.