A component of the course “Filling the Pipeline: Agricultural Drainage Education to Meet 21st Century Water Management Needs”
Instructor: Dr. Laura Christianson, University of Illinois
Overview: This module gives a basic introduction to denitrifying “woodchip” bioreactors which remove nitrate from subsurface drainage.
Zip file with all files included
Learning Objectives:
After completing this module, students will:
- Be able to describe for bioreactors:
- Their mode of action
- Benefits and opportunities
- Implementation challenges
- Develop familiarity with USDA NRCS Conservation Practice Standards
Step by Step Guide to Complete the Module:
- Watch the videos in order to achieve the learning objectives.
- Watch video 1: “Bioreactor introduction” (9:12 min)
- Watch video 2: “Construction and placement” (9:27 min)
- Watch video 3: “Performance, cost, opportunities” (11:23 min)
- Answer this thought question: Are there additional places or applications where nitrate pollution is a problem where a bioreactor could be useful?
- Watch video 4: “Does the type of woodchip matter?” (9:54 min)
- Watch video 5: “I have a bioreactor. Now what?” (8:56 min)
- Watch video 6: “How long do the woodchips last?” (6:32 min)
- Perform the quiz.
Optional Readings
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Code 605 for Denitrifying Bioreactors. Available at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Denitrifying_Bioreactor_605_NHCP_CPS__2020.pdf
- Christianson, L., K. Addy, A. Gold, and L. Schipper. 2018 Woodchip Bioreactors: A science-based option to reduce nitrate loss. University of Illinois Extension, Urbana, Illinois (2-pg factsheet). Available at: http://draindrop.cropsci.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Christianson-et-al_2018_Woodchip-Bioreactor_2pg-Factsheet.pdf
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture (award number 2018-70003-27661). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
