2015
Drainage water quality from manure treated soybean crops assessment of woodchip bioreactors for edge of field treatment
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Abiotic stressField management SustainabilityWater supply
Lead Principal Investigator:
Michelle Soupir, Iowa State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Matthew Helmers, Iowa State University
Natasha Hoover, Iowa State University
Thomas Moorman, Iowa State University
+2 More
Project Code:
450-20-04
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:

One emerging technology for nitrate removal from subsurface waters is the woodchip bioreactor. Limited research exists on the potential of these bioreactors to also reduce downstream transport of contaminants commonly detected in manure-amended cropland, including pathogens and phosphorous. This project pairs a lab study with field-scale studies of bioreactor phosphorous and bacterial removal. It also will inform design recommendations for bioreactor installation for multiple contaminants. The research also seeks to determine hydraulic retention time and flow path analysis for selected woodchip bioreactors and relate the hydrologic analysis to bioreactor performance and if denitrification in woodchip bioreactors can improved by electrical stimulation.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents, livestock farmers

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Improved understanding of performance of woodchip bioreactors for removal of phosphorous and bacteria.

Provide design recommendations for wood chip bioreactors for installation when multiple contaminants are of concern (nitrogen, phosphorous, and bacteria).

Final Project Results

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.