Overview

This interactive tool provides high-resolution visualization interfaces for users to explore data from 39 research sites studying conservation drainage practices. These sites have controlled drainage, saturated buffers, or drainage water recycling infrastructure installed in comparison to free (non-managed) drainage. Drain flow and water quality were measured on a daily basis and can be visualized at different time scales including daily, monthly, and annual. In addition, agronomic and soil parameters were measured to illustrate how the agricultural system changes with differing conservation drainage practices.

Visualization tools like this aid in user comprehension of differences across sites and years in terms of variability across and within seasons. The tool allows users to download their custom figures for use in presentations or publications.

How the tool can be used

The tool can be used by a variety of users to answer a range of different questions, for example:

	Drainage researchers can use it to understand and visualize variation across sites and years in water quality measurements. Data can be downloaded through a linked interface for regional or watershed analyses.
	Conservation professionals and drainage engineers can use this tool to establish benchmarks for suitability of conservation practices.
	Educators can use the interface with students or workshop participants to highlight the challenges and opportunities when managing agricultural systems for improved water quality.

What the tool provides

• Dynamic and interactive tool allowing users to select the practice, site, year, and measurement of interest. 
• Download customized figures for:
  • Drain Flow
  • Nitrate Load
  • Water Table Depth
  • Water Quality
  • Soil Moisture
• Two-page research site summaries as supplementary information.
• Access research data via hyperlink to Transforming Drainage research data website.

For more information

This tool, and associated documentation, is freely available at http://drainagedata.org/.

Authors: Lori Abendroth, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Cropping Systems and Water Quality Unit, Columbia, MO; Giorgi Chighladze, and Daryl Herzmann, Iowa State University