Recycling Tile Drain Water: How Farmers Can Reduce Runoff

Nutrient runoff from tile drainage systems on Iowa farms is a significant challenge, affecting local waterways and the Mississippi River.

Tile drain water recycling offers an innovative solution by capturing nutrient-rich drainage water, storing it in reservoirs, and reusing it for irrigation. This approach reduces nitrogen runoff while providing farmers with a reliable water source to boost crop yields.

In this episode, Chris Hay, an agricultural engineer, explains the science and benefits behind this emerging practice, which pairs water quality improvements with financial incentives for farmers.

Mark Schleisman shares his experience implementing tile drain recycling on his farm in Calhoun County, showcasing how this method transforms a long-standing challenge into a win-win for agriculture and the environment.

The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.