Review
Construction & Building Technology
Xuanxuan Chu, Ivan Campos-Guereta, Andrew Dawson, Nick Thom
Summary: This study conducted a selective literature review to demonstrate subgrade moisture variation and pavement drainage methods in order to improve the knowledge of pavement drainage and provide a reference for sustainable drainage design, facilitating the development of sustainable pavement drainage systems.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Genevieve Grenon, Bhesram Singh, Aidan De Sena, Chandra A. Madramootoo, Christian von Sperber, Manish Kumar Goyal, Tiequan Zhang
Summary: Large quantities of mineral phosphorus fertilizer applied to intensively cultivated organic soils can cause rapid build-up of this nutrient and result in P loss through subsurface tile drainage water. Utilizing drainage water management (DWM) can effectively mitigate these losses and is a potential strategy for P retention in organic soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Rebecca S. Willison, Kelly A. Nelson, Lori J. Abendroth, Giorgi Chighladze, Christopher H. Hay, Xinhua Jia, Jeppe Kjaersgaard, Benjamin D. Reinhart, Jeffrey S. Strock, Christopher K. Wikle
Summary: DWR can lead to higher crop yields compared to FD, especially during the critical V9-R2 stage and in years with low precipitation. Overall, DWR demonstrates greater yield stability compared to FD. Additional research is needed to understand the impacts of DWR on different soils and locations for improved water management in the face of increasing climate variability.
Article
Agronomy
Ehsan Ghane, Manal H. Askar, R. Wayne Skaggs
Summary: Agricultural subsurface drainage is crucial for crop production in temperate humid regions. This research aimed to develop an empirical equation to estimate the design drainage rate for local soil and weather conditions, and calculate the optimum drain spacing to maximize economic return on investment.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Peirong Lu, Yujie Yang, Wan Luo, Yu Zhang, Zhonghua Jia
Summary: This study investigated the effects of subsurface pipe drainage (SPD) on soil salinization in coastal areas. Through the simulation of a crop growth model, it was found that SPD can improve the growth of winter wheat. Additionally, narrowing the drain spacing can enhance the desalination performance of SPD.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Brahim Askri, Sonia Khodmi, Rachida Bouhlila
Summary: This paper assesses the performance of a subsurface drainage system in controlling water and salt balances, reducing water table levels, and reclaiming saline soils in the Sagdoud oasis in southern Tunisia. The results demonstrate that the system effectively controls water and salt balances, but does not address groundwater mineralization.
Article
Agronomy
Gabriel Dias Paiao, Fabian G. Fernandez, Seth L. Naeve
Summary: This study found that soil drainage significantly affects corn grain yield, nitrogen requirement, and residual soil nitrogen. Drained soil conditions were found to be more conducive to corn growth, and adjusting nitrogen application rates based on soil drainage conditions can improve yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zahwa A. Elsagan, Rehab M. Ali, Mohamed A. El -Naggar, E. -s. z. El-Ashtoukhy, Sara E. AbdElhafez
Summary: In Egypt, second-generation bioethanol production from agricultural waste is thriving as a response to the excessive usage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lignocellulosic biomass, due to its abundance and renewability, shows great potential as a feedstock for bioethanol production. However, the challenge lies in achieving effective enzyme accessibility through functional delignification without impacting the cellulose matrices. This study focuses on a novel physio-chemical combination for corn stover pretreatment, resulting in the production of bioethanol through hydrolysis and fermentation processes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Dold, K. M. Wacha, T. J. Sauer, J. L. Hatfield, J. H. Prueger
Summary: This study conducted a long-term investigation on soil carbon and nitrogen changes in a corn-soybean rotation field in central Iowa, showing a decreasing trend in soil carbon and nitrogen content. The findings suggest that conventional corn-soybean production may have adverse effects on regional carbon and nitrogen dynamics in the Midwestern United States.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Yoong Kit Leong, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microalgae-based biochar, including production techniques, applications, and chemical modifications, aiming to bridge the existing knowledge gap in this field.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Alexis Jeantet, Hocine Henine, Cedric Chaumont, Lila Collet, Guillaume Thirel, Julien Tournebize
Summary: The implementation of drainage systems on agricultural plots in France accounts for 9% of arable soils, highlighting the need for accurate hydrological modeling in the face of climate change. The study assesses the capability of the SIDRA-RU hydrological drainage model to represent the variability in pedoclimatic conditions and demonstrates its utility as a long-term management tool. Results show that the model accurately simulates drainage discharge on different soil textures, indicating its potential for managing French drained soil diversity in the long run.
HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Xiaolei Ren, Shaoli Wang, Peiling Yang, Yuan Tao
Summary: Agricultural subsurface drainage is vital for crop production in regions with high rainfall and poor drainage. This study focused on evaluating the performance of a siphon-type subsurface drainage system and found that it had significantly higher flow rates compared to conventional subsurface drainage systems, especially under steady-state ponding conditions. The results provide important technical support for addressing waterlogging disasters and improving agricultural production in prone areas.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Emrah Kocak, Faik Bilgili, Umit Bulut, Sevda Kuskaya
Summary: The study shows that ethanol production increases corn prices, while oil prices and population exert pressure on corn prices. An increase in the real exchange rate has a decreasing effect on corn prices.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mohammad W. Amer, Jameel S. Aljariri Alhesan, Sawsan Ibrahim, Ghadeer Qussay, Marc Marshall, Omar S. Al-Ayed
Summary: The potential of producing biofuels from Jordanian corn leaf waste was studied, and the waste was characterized using various analysis methods. The results showed that higher oil yield was obtained at higher pyrolysis temperatures, with the gas yield and higher heating value increasing as the temperature increased.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Caroline Brock, Douglas Jackson-Smith, Subbu Kumarappan, Steve Culman, Cathy Herms, Douglas Doohan
Summary: The survey found that most organic corn growers in the region had small farms with diversified livestock operations, and emphasized soil fertility and health management. Organic corn growers heavily relied on moldboard plow tillage, and all producers had positive net returns to labor and management in 2017. These findings have implications for assessing the sustainability of organic farming systems and designing research programs to meet the needs of the diverse organic farming population in the region.
Article
Agronomy
Spyridon Mourtzinis, Jose F. Andrade, Patricio Grassini, Juan I. Rattalino Edreira, Hans Kandel, Seth Naeve, Kelly A. Nelson, Matthew Helmers, Shawn P. Conley
Summary: The study found that the use of artificial drainage (AD) can increase soybean yield, partially attributed to earlier planting after AD adoption.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heather Pasley, Virginia Nichols, Michael Castellano, Mitchell Baum, Eileen Kladivko, Matthew Helmers, Sotirios Archontoulis
Summary: There is a strong connection between nitrate leaching and nitrogen fertilizer input in annual crops. The study found that different cropping systems have varying responses to nitrogen fertilizer rates and NO3-N leaching loads. It was also discovered that rotating maize with soybean can reduce the impact of over-fertilization on NO3-N leaching compared to continuous maize.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
M. J. Helmers, L. Abendroth, B. Reinhart, G. Chighladze, L. Pease, L. Bowling, M. Youssef, E. Ghane, L. Ahiablame, L. Brown, N. Fausey, J. Frankenberger, D. Jaynes, K. King, E. Kladivko, K. Nelson, J. Strock
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of controlled drainage (CD) and conventional free drainage (FD) on drainage flow and nitrate-N load. CD showed effectiveness in reducing flow and nitrate-N load across different regions and seasons, although it did not result in a reduction of nitrate-N concentration.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ji Yeow Law, Leigh Ann Long, Amy Kaleita, Matthew Helmers, Conrad Brendel, Katherine van der Woude, Michelle Soupir
Summary: It is necessary to use combinations of BMPs in the MARB to achieve nutrient reduction goals. Results from a study in paired catchments show that higher coverage of BMPs can effectively reduce nitrate and total nitrogen loads. Precipitation patterns and seasonality also play a role in nitrogen export.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
B. W. Dougherty, D. S. Andersen, M. J. Helmers
Summary: This study investigated the impacts of standard midwestern US agronomic practices on soil health indicators. The cropping practices had minimal effects on some near-surface soil health indicators, but resulted in higher levels of carbon and nitrogen in some treatments. Adjusting management is necessary to maximize yield and soil health.
JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark E. Mitchell, Tammy Newcomer-Johnson, Jay Christensen, William Crumpton, Shawn Richmond, Brian Dyson, Timothy J. Canfield, Matthew Helmers, Dean Lemke, Matt Lechtenberg, David Green, Kenneth J. Forshay
Summary: Based on spatially explicit models of 37 catchments in important agricultural and biodiversity regions, this study finds that drainage modification alone can lead to moderate direct losses and overall declines in suitable amphibian habitat. However, the inclusion of water quality wetlands may mitigate these losses while also increasing grassland bird and pollinator habitat.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
L. J. Abendroth, G. Chighladze, J. R. Frankenberger, L. C. Bowling, M. J. Helmers, D. E. Herzmann, X. Jia, J. Kjaersgaard, L. A. Pease, B. D. Reinhart, J. Strock, M. Youssef
Summary: This paper presents a dataset of artificially drained agricultural fields in the Midwest and North Carolina, USA. The dataset includes information on three conservation practices for cropland, such as saturated buffers and drainage water recycling. The data is valuable for the scientific community and can be used for designing drainage systems globally.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily Rose Waring, John Sawyer, Carl Pederson, Matt Helmers
Summary: This study investigates the impact of nitrogen fertilizer timing on crop production and nitrate load in subsurface drainage discharge in the U.S. Midwest. The results show that there are no agronomic or water quality benefits for applying anhydrous ammonia in spring compared with fall. Split-applied urea has a small positive water quality impact but no crop yield enhancement. The study highlights the need for additional nutrient reduction practices to reduce nitrate load to surface water systems.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ellen D. v. L. Maas, Sotirios Archontoulis, Matthew J. Helmers, Javed Iqbal, Carl H. Pederson, Hanna J. Poffenbarger, Kristina J. TeBockhorst, Michael J. Castellano
Summary: Subsurface drainage plays a crucial role in improving crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency, although it may have environmental impacts. Different drainage systems have varying effects on nitrogen fertilizer utilization and crop yield, with controlled drainage systems showing better performance in most aspects.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Mohamed A. Youssef, Jeffrey Strock, Ehsan Bagheri, Benjamin D. Reinhart, Lori J. Abendroth, Giorgi Chighladze, Ehsan Ghane, Vinayak Shedekar, Norman R. Fausey, Jane R. Frankenberger, Matthew J. Helmers, Dan B. Jaynes, Eileen Kladivko, Lamyaa Negm, Kelly Nelson, Lindsay Pease
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of controlled drainage on corn grain yield and found that there was no significant difference on average between controlled drainage and free drainage. However, a subset of the data indicated that controlled drainage either increased or decreased corn yield by 4% or more compared to free drainage. Further analysis showed that controlled drainage could alleviate plant stress caused by mild to moderate drought conditions and increase corn grain yield, but it could reduce yield during wet growing seasons. Active management or automation of controlled drainage systems is recommended to adapt to varying precipitation patterns. General recommendations for managing manually operated controlled drainage systems in the U.S. Midwest are also provided.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Emily Rose Waring, John Sawyer, Carl Pederson, Matt Helmers
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Luciano Alves de Oliveira, Hannah Dougherty, Richard A. C. Cooke, Bryan M. Maxwell, Matthew J. Helmers, Francois Birgand, Cameron M. Pittelkow, Reid D. Christianson, Laura E. Christianson
Summary: Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors in the US, with high aspect ratios, can benefit from improved hydraulic understanding to enhance hydraulic loading and nitrate removal. Tracer tests were conducted at different design styles of bioreactors, showing that the wide bioreactor had the most dispersion, while the advanced design with baffles had higher volumetric efficiencies and nitrate removal compared to conventional and wide designs. The Morill Dispersion and Short Circuiting Indices were strongly correlated, highlighting the importance of aspect ratio and baffles in woodchip bioreactor performance.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Brian W. Dougherty, Daniel Steven Andersen, Matthew J. Helmers
Summary: Liquid livestock manure application presents challenges in achieving target nitrogen application rate due to variability in nutrient content, equipment adjustments, and field conditions. Using average of previous years' manure samples improved accuracy for phosphorus, but no significant difference was found for nitrogen. This study highlights the need for real-time manure nutrient sensing and on-the-go rate adjustment.
JOURNAL OF THE ASABE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
M. E. Mitchell, S. D. Shifflett, T. Newcomer-Johnson, A. Hodaj, W. Crumpton, J. Christensen, B. Dyson, T. J. Canfield, S. Richmond, M. Helmers, D. Lemke, M. Lechtenberg, C. Taylor, K. J. Forshay
Summary: Agricultural runoff in the upper Midwest contributes to hypoxia and harmful algal blooms in the Gulf Coast, and the retention of nitrogen and phosphorus is insufficient. In the future, the drainage infrastructure in this region will be rebuilt, and strategies to reduce nutrient export are being developed. Stakeholders in Iowa have identified the need for a catchment-scale analysis of ecosystem services associated with agricultural tile drainage improvements and water quality wetlands to support nutrient best management practices.
JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Christopher H. Hay, Benjamin D. Reinhart, Jane R. Frankenberger, Matthew J. Helmers, Xinhua Jia, Kelly A. Nelson, Mohamed A. Youssef
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASABE
(2021)
