Major Findings

Geomorphology - The primary goal of this line of study is to identify how knowledge of fluvial processes might be used to make drainage ditches more self-maintaining and also enhance the ecology of these systems. Results suggest that the probable dimensions of the low-flow channel can be empirically determined based on regional studies similar to those that are conducted for natural streams. Similarly, measurement of the study sites begins to suggest that a broad ditch with a total bench width approaching or exceeding the channel width will result in stable benches.

Ecology - Description

Water Quality Characterization - The primary goal this portion of the project is to characterize the water quality in drainage ditches, with particular emphasis on the times when flow in the ditches is dominated by inputs from agricultural tile drainage. These times will be characterized by intermediate levels of flow, neither the highest, which are associated with storm runoff, nor the lowest, which typically occur during extended dry periods in the late summer and early fall when the only sources of water, if any, are groundwater recharge and possible effluent from septic systems.