Saturated buffer performance under alternative weir settings: Implications for design and management.

ABSTRACT: Saturated buffers are important edge-of-field conservation practices to reduce nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) loading from subsurface (tile) drainage systems to downstream waters. The impact of seasonal management of weir elevations in the water control structure on NO₃-N removal has not been well studied. This study evaluated the effect of control box weir elevation management on nitrate removal and compared in situ flow treatment with design predictions from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service conservation practice standard 604. A 253 m long saturated buffer draining approximately 6 ha was monitored for flow and NO₃-N load from 2022 to 2024. The weir elevation was adjusted to "full drainage" (no treatment), "growing season" (reduced treatment capaci

SUBMITTER: Johnson GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12820405 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature