Conservation Drainage and Water Management for Tomorrow’s Agriculture
Managing water is an important aspect of crop production, and in Indiana tile drainage has been installed on about half of all cropland. Drainage enables soils with poor natural drainage to achieve higher potential yields, but also has negative impacts on water quality downstream. Conservation drainage combines the benefits of artificial drainage with various enhancements to reduce nutrient losses, and in some cases increase yield. This presentation will present the latest information on drainage and how conservation practices can benefit both increase resilience on drained agricultural land.
Speaker
Jane Frankenberger
Dr. Jane Frankenberger: Jane Frankenberger conducts research and extension focused on protecting water quality while maintaining agricultural productivity. Her research has advanced conservation drainage design, watershed management, and soil and water conservation strategies, while delivering tools and strategies to stakeholders who can use them to inform decision making. A current focus is leading a statewide partnership in the development of the Indiana Science Assessment to support the State Nutrient Reduction Strategy. She has a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Cornell University and is a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.