FINAL REPORT

The goal of this study was to develop and test blind inlets for mitigation of P loss through surface intakes to tile drainage systems, in farmed prairie pothole depressions.

The modified blind inlet retained an average of 83% of the influent dissolved reactive P and 62% of the influent total P based on five paired samples. The results from this study demonstrate that farmed potholes contain a significant amount of legacy soil P and that blind inlets containing steel shavings can replace surface intakes and reduce P export from farmed potholes. Read more about Reducing Phosphorus Export through Farmed Pothole Surface Inlets with P Filters and Blind Inlets Oct 2024

Water level monitoring sensors were installed for the 2023 season and several water samples have been collected. A new graduate student (1/4 time) is working on assessing the functionality of the blind inlet because flow data suggests that the sand layer that sits above the blind inlet drainage lines may be clogged; if this is the case we will replace the sand layer in the second half of 2023.

Publications Read more about Reducing Phosphorus Export through Farmed Pothole Surface Inlets with P Filters and Blind Inlets Aug 2023

Field data collection for 2023 has been completed, as well as all associated lab and physical analyses. Field data collection included a "snapshot" sampling of 11 additional dams across the Des Moines Lobe.

Data is being prepared for manuscript submission (2 manuscripts planned for submission in spring 2024). This will coincide with the thesis defense (MS, Environmental Science, spring 2024) of project-lead graduate student, Andrew Rupiper. Two extension publications will be created in spring 2024 as well Read more about Dam! Impacts of Beaver Dams on Surface and Groundwater Quality Jan 2024

Project on hold Read more about Applying a New ACPF-compatible Tool and Social Science to Explore the Role of Policy in Conservation Implementation in Iowa Mar 2024

As part of the larger overall project, there were several project elements: Project 1: Installation and monitoring of a new saturated waterway conservation practice Activities: Pre-BMP monitoring wells were installed in 2023 and water samples from wells and drainage tiles were collected every two weeks through the 2023 monitoring period. In the fall of 2023, IGS personal coordinated with the landowner, tile contractor, Agri-Drain, and Iowa State collaborators on a final design and layout. On December 5-6, the new grass waterway drainage system was installed at the site near Reinbeck, IA. Read more about Quantifying nutrient load reduction practices and export at field and landscape scales Dec 2023