Using controlled drainage to optimize water and nutrient uptake by crops

Description

This project seeks to improve crop water supply and even limit topsoil nutrient runoff into waterways through the improved management of subsurface drainage systems. This will involve the installation of control units at the drain collector outlets. Our approach relies on the continuous measurement of field water table heights; water exports; as well as sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus runoff into drains at four field-crop production sites in Montérégie. We will supplement our assessment of the controlled drainage trial results from these four sites with crop yield data. This will allow us to fine tune the system to yield optimal agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits.

Objective(s)

• Assess the agronomic and environmental benefits derived from a controlled drainage practice adjusted for the season (precision drainage).
• Assess the impact of subsurface drainage management with regard to
  • water table retention and the preservation of a water balance conducive to high quality soil and improved crop growth,
  • the prevention of nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into subsurface drains, and
  • crop yield and quality.