Wednesday, November 7, 2007
305-12

Field-Scale Water Flow Rates to Tile Drains as Affected by Years of Drainage and No-till.

Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University-Agronomy Dept., Agronomy Dept. Purdue Univ., 915 W State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054

A long-term tile drain research site in southeastern Indiana has shown some changes in flow behavior over the course of the 22-yr study. Hydrographs are more flashy, with peaks occurring sooner after rainfall initiation, and with shorter overall duration. Possible reasons for the change in behavior include development of flow paths with time after drain installation, or the switch to no-till with a consequent increase in macropore development. Example hydrographs from different years of the study will be shown and discussed, along with discussion of potential soil development over time.