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ECB-WQ: A Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR)-Eastern Corn Belt node field-scale water quality dataset

  • 0USDA-ARS, Soil Drainage Research Unit, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Environmental Quality +

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January 13, 2025

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January 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The Eastern Corn Belt-water quality database offers crucial data on agricultural runoff and tile drainage, essential for improving water quality in the Midwest. This resource aids in developing strategies to balance crop production with environmental protection.

Area Of Science

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Hydrology

Background

  • The Eastern Corn Belt (ECB) node represents US Midwest row crop agriculture in poorly drained regions.
  • Addresses water quantity and quality issues impacting Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Focuses on artificially tile-drained agricultural systems.

Purpose Of The Study

  • Present background and methodology for the ECB-water quality (ECB-WQ) database.
  • Provide summary analyses of collected hydrology and water quality data.
  • Detail data access and discuss potential database applications.

Main Methods

  • Collected hydrology and water quality data from three farms in Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana.
  • Included site characteristics, field management data, and daily discharge measurements.
  • Measured nutrient concentrations from surface and subsurface tile drainage outlets.

Main Results

  • Discharge is typically higher from subsurface tile drainage than surface runoff.
  • Phosphorus concentrations are generally greater in surface runoff; nitrogen concentrations are greater in tile drainage.
  • Significant variation in discharge and water quality across the ECB region.

Conclusions

  • The ECB-WQ database is vital for understanding water quantity and quality in tile-drained agricultural regions.
  • Facilitates assessment of field management impacts on water resources.
  • Supports development of water quality models and informs policy decisions.