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Iowa Stream Nitrate, Discharge and Precipitation: 30-Year Perspective
Christopher S Jones1, Keith E Schilling2, Ian M Simpson3
1IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering, University of Iowa, 100C. Stanley Maxwell Hydraulics Laboratory, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. christopher-s-jones@uiowa.edu.
Environmental Management
|June 2, 2018
Summary
Nitrate (NO3-N) levels are increasing in Iowa agricultural watersheds, with higher yields and concentrations observed in recent years. Increased precipitation amplifies nitrate transport, necessitating changes in land use and water management to improve water quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Hydrology
Background:
- Agricultural watersheds are significant sources of nitrate (NO3-N) pollution.
- Understanding nitrate transport is crucial for managing water quality in agricultural regions.
- Iowa's agricultural landscape faces challenges with nutrient runoff and water quality degradation.
Observation:
- Compared two 15-year periods (1987-2001 and 2002-2016) using three metrics for NO 3 -N transport.
- Observed increasing trends in NO 3 -N yield, flow-weighted concentrations, and NO 3 -N yield per millimeter of precipitation.
Findings:
- NO 3 -N yield increased by 18%, and flow-weighted concentrations rose by 12% in the second 15-year period.
- NO 3 -N yield per millimeter of precipitation was 13% higher in the latter half of the study.
- Increased precipitation (8%) and discharge (16%) correlated with amplified NO 3 -N transport.
Implications:
- Future climate scenarios with increased rainfall necessitate water detention and enhanced evapotranspiration in cropping systems to mitigate NO 3 -N losses.
- Expanding land use practices like cover crops, living mulches, and perennial plants can improve water quality and agricultural water balance.
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