Morro Bay Ag Nitrate Reduction

The project will demonstrate and quantify the effectiveness of combining nutrient management practices and irrigation water management practices with a denitrifying woodchip bioreactor to minimize and trap nutrient losses from agricultural fields. Agricultural nitrate pollution is a major concern in Morro
Bay and a growing concern throughout California. A denitrifying woodchip bioreactor is proven technology that has yet to achieve widespread use in California. By incorporating nutrient and irrigation water management practices, farmers will reduce the amount of nutrient loss from their fields. By treating tile water with a denitrifying woodchip bioreactor, farmers will further reduce the nitrate loading before discharging to the environment or re-using the water for irrigation.