For nearly two decades, annual algae blooms in Lake Erie have been fueled by nutrient runoff from agricultural fields, animal facilities, and wastewater treatment plants. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the lake produce toxins harmful to human health and wildlife, posing a threat to water quality. These blooms have resulted in approximately $82 million in annual economic losses in fishing and tourism in the Great Lakes region.
Ehsan Ghane, a researcher from MSU Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, aims to address this issue by exploring agricultural conservation practices to reduce the environmental impact on the Great Lakes. He focuses on educating stakeholders, including farmers, drainage contractors, and conservation professionals, to improve the performance and profitability of subsurface drainage systems while minimizing water-quality impacts.
Supported by a $1.2 million grant from MDARD, Ghane's ongoing project called "Edge-of-Field" investigates the effectiveness of conservation drainage practices. The research aims to develop best management practices to control nutrient and water releases from farmlands. The project tests two water management systems: controlled drainage and saturated buffers, both designed to reduce phosphorus levels in surface water.
Controlled drainage involves adjusting the outlet elevation of drainage systems to manage water volume effectively. Saturated buffers intercept water from tile drainage, routing it through vegetation and soil before entering waterways, providing natural filtration and nutrient uptake.
Ghane's research team partners with Michigan farmers, implementing the conservation practices on their lands and closely monitoring the results. Early data suggests a significant reduction in phosphorus loss from these partner farms, with potential for further improvement. The project aims to reduce phosphorus loads entering Lake Erie by 40% over time.
MDARD's Environmental Stewardship Division collaborates closely with Michigan's agricultural communities to promote voluntary environmental programs that protect the state's water resources, including the Great Lakes. Their ongoing partnership with MSU and dedication to water quality research aim to make a substantial difference in preserving the health of the Great Lakes and their importance to Michigan's economy, culture, and identity.
Photo Credit: istock-dorin-s
Categories: Michigan, General