News Environment
Small edge-of-field wetlands can treat nitrate-nitrogen export from tiles

Various experts have tied hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico to nutrient enrichment from tile-drained agricultural lands to the Mississippi River. But a recent 12-year study, published in the Journal of Environmental Quality, shows that small wetlands can have a big impact.

Small edge-of-field wetlands can effectively treat nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃–N) export from drain tiles, although less research exists on their capacity to treat phosphorus (P). Additionally, long-term data are needed to incorporate variability of weather and farming practices into assessments of wetland performance longevity. | READ MORE