The goal is to sample runoff before entering the filter strip and after exiting the filter strip to quantify the amount of abated sediment and nutrient removed by the filter strip. Sheet flow was promoted by cutting small openings in the ditch allowing water to disperse into the filter strip. Inflow samples were collected by a Teledyne ISCO 6712 water sampler, equipped with a cellular modem for remote access and a 3.5 CFS ramp flume to measure flow rate. Outflow samples were collected with a Teledyne ISCO Avalanche, equipped with a cellular modem and a 1.5 foot H flume.
Water Sampling Method
Samples where collected from the inflow and outflow on the hour only when water level in the flumes where higher than 0.5 in. Hourly samples where composited into one sample to be later analyzed for total suspended solids, Total P, ortho-P, TKN, Nitrate, and Ammonium.
Field Data Methods
Bulk density was measured by a Madera Probe every 200ft from East to West at depth of 0-6in. Filter strip vegetation cover was determined using the Laflen transect method. Three transects of 50ft were set up in an X pattern across the field, cover was measured every two feet. On the South side of the field a Tipping Bucket rain gauge was used to measure rainfall at .01in per tip. Additionally, an ET Gauge was installed at the South end of the field. Soil moisture throughout the filter strip was measured at the West, center, and East of the area of study using Watermarks at 8in, 18in, and 30in. Soil moisture data was hooked up to a cellular modem to send real-time data.
Drone Mapping
Periodic drone mapping was done to evaluate the establishment of the filter strip, ditches, field status, and assess RGB and NDVI spectrum. The use of drone imagery allows better water and sedimentation management. Flight times were about 10min at 150ft using a RGB visible camera. Drone imagery was stitched together and analyzed using Drone Deploy.
Installed Field Equipment
- Teledyne ISCO (2x)
- Outlet into Little Thompson River
- Avalanche (refrigerated sampler)
- Inflow into filter strip
- Teledyne 6712
- H – Flumes (1x)
- Filter strip outflow
- Open channel flow 1.5 H flumes
- Outlet into Little Thompson River
- Ramp Flume (3x)
- Filter strip inflow
- Tailwater ditches upstream of ditches
- Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge (1x)
- Installed south of filter strip
- 01 inch per tip
- Evapotranspiration Gauge (1x)
- Installed south of filter strip
- Water Marks (9x)
- Located West, East, and Center of filter strip
- 3 depths
- 0-8 in
- 8-18 in
- 18-30 in