Objective: To measure the effects of a grass filter strip on runoff water quality from a traditionally managed sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) field.
A vegetative filter strip (VFS) 21 m by 85 m was constructed adjacent to a 17-ha sugarcane field according to USDA-NRCS BMP recommendation. One m berms were constructed around the strip to protect it from surface water run-on, not associated with the production field. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) vegetation was established and allowed to grow prior to activating the VFS. A concrete diversion pad with metal diverters to provide a sheet flow across the area of the strip was constructed at the entrance of the VFS. A 0.6 m H-flume was installed at both entrance and exit of the strip to collect water samples. ISCO model 3700FR refrigerated samplers were calibrated to collect initial samples at 200,000 gals and subsequently every 200,000 gals up to 1 million gallons. Sediment measurements - total suspended solids (TSS), total combustible solids (TCS); nutrients - total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), ammonia (NH4), nitrate/nitrite (NO3/NO2), soluble reactive phosphate (PO4); and 5-day biological oxygen demand (BOD) were conducted on all water samples collected. All values of water quality parameters measured were lower at exit of VFS than those entering the VFS. Total sediment was reduced in the VFS significantly but the reduction of the nutrient parameters was not significantly different and varied widely by season and by year. Total sediment removed from the VFS was 221 t after three years.
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See more of The ASA Southern Regional Branch (June 19-21, 2005)