AN INSTRUMENTED, FIELD-SCALE RESEARCH FACILITY FOR DRAINAGE AND WATER-QUALITY STUDIES

A large-scale, fully instrumented field research facility covering 4.2 ha was established in southern Quebec, Canada to assess the impacts of controlled drainage/subirrigation, cropping systems, and fertilizer practices on water quality. Eight treatments are replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. A subsurface drain lateral is located in the centre of each plot; a plastic barrier surrounds each plot to isolate flows from adjacent plots. Subplots with surface inlets are located in one block for measuring surface runoff.; Plows, from subsurface drains and surface runoff plots, are continually measured, and water quality samples are acquired year-around in two heated instrument buildings. A data acquisition (DAQ) and control system monitors sensors, collects data, and automatically actuates the sampling system. Performance of the facility during the first year of operation has been very close to theoretical predictions. Results from studies undertaken at the facility will be used to test computer simulation models and develop best management practices for reducing pollution in both drainage effluent and surface runoff.