Participants
Luciano Alves de Oliveira, University of Illinois
Dr. Sunoj Shajahan (Precision Agriculture)
Dr. Richard Cooke (Drainage and Water Management)
Caleb Bruhn, PhD Candidate in Drainage Water Recycling
Summary
This project explores how Drainage Water Recycling (DWR) can enhance crop resilience and improve water quality in Illinois agriculture. By capturing and reusing drainage water for irrigation, this innovative approach aims to address key challenges like water scarcity, nutrient loss, and crop productivity in the state.
Objectives:
Assess Feasibility: Conduct spatial analysis to determine where DWR systems can be effectively implemented.
Field Experiments: Test DWR on a plot at the ABE South Farm, focusing on how it impacts crop yield, nutrient retention, and water quality.
Economic Analysis: Evaluate the financial viability of DWR to support adoption by farmers.
Approach:
The study integrates advanced technologies, such as precision agriculture tools and monitoring systems, to track water flow, nutrient levels, and crop performance. Researchers will analyze the potential of subirrigation—using recycled drainage water to irrigate crops during dry periods—and its role in achieving the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS).
Why It Matters:
Illinois farmers rely heavily on subsurface drainage, but this can lead to nutrient runoff that harms water quality. DWR offers a practical solution to retain nutrients while increasing water availability for crops, ensuring both environmental sustainability and economic benefits for producers.