University of Maryland researchers are tracing the different types of nitrogen and phosphorus flowing into drainage ditches, tile drains and overland flow at the edges of farm fields during rainfall events. The goal of this NIFA-funded research is to identify opportunities to reduce nutrient losses and to keep more nitrogen and phosphorus in the crop fields so plants can use it.
Top photo: University of Maryland researchers have set up a network of sophisticated monitoring stations across Maryland to identify what flows off the land every few minutes when it rains. Photo courtesy of the University of Maryland.