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 o f controlled drainage/subirrigation, cropping systems, and fertilizer practices on water quality. Eight treatments are replicated three time s 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 inlet s 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 instr ument 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 b een very close to theoretical predictions. Results from studies undert aken at the facility will be used to test computer simulation models a nd develop best management practices for reducing pollution in both dr ainage effluent and surface runoff.