Drainage effects on stream nitrate-N and hydrology in south-central Minnesota (USA)
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
By: J.A. Magner, G. A. Payne, and J. Steffen
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Excessive nitrate-N in south-central Minnesota ditches and streams is related to land-use change, and may be contributing to the development of the zone of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Intensive land-use (agricultural management) has progressively increased as subsurface drainage has improved crop productivity over the past 25 years. We have examined water at varying scales for ??18O and, nitrate-N concentrations. Additionally, analysis of annual peak flows, and channel geomorphic features provided a measure of hydrologic change. Laboratory and field results indicate that agricultural drainage has influenced riverine source waters, concentrations of nitrate-N, channel dimensions and hydrology in the Blue Earth River (BER) Basin. At the mouth of the BER shallow ground water comprises the largest source water component. The highest nitrate-N concentrations in the BER and tributaries typically occurred in May and June and ranged from 7-34 mg L-1. Peak flows for the 1.01-2-yr recurrence intervals increased by 20-to-206% over the past 25 years. Geomorphic data suggest that small channels (ditches) were entrenched by design, whereas, natural channels incised. Increased frequent peak flows in the BER have created laterally confined channels that are disconnected from an accessible riparian corridor. Frequent access to a functioning riparian zone is important for denitrification.
Suggested Citation
Magner, J., Payne, G.A., and Steffen, J., 2004, Drainage effects on stream nitrate-N and hydrology in south-central Minnesota (USA): Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, v. 91, no. 1-3, p. 183-198, https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EMAS.0000009235.50413.42.
ISSN: 1573-2959 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Drainage effects on stream nitrate-N and hydrology in south-central Minnesota (USA) |
| Series title | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment |
| DOI | 10.1023/B:EMAS.0000009235.50413.42 |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue | 1-3 |
| Year Published | 2004 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment |
| First page | 183 |
| Last page | 198 |