ASABE Technical Library - Abstract

Abstract.

Subsurface drainage systems are abundant across much of the Great Lakes Region, and they have modified the hydrology and transport patterns of the watersheds in which they occur. While much work has been done on aspects such as the use of drainage systems to increase cultivable area and crop yield, but there is little information on the impact of possible changes in climate on system performance and effectiveness. Current drainage design decisions can have long-term impact, since these systems typically function for more than 50 years. The objective of this study is to assess subsurface drainage system responses under climate change in selected regions in Illinois. Field scale responses of subsurface drainage systems are analyzed based on historical climate datasets using the DRAINMOD model. In addition, predicted precipitation data from a global climate model for 20 years centered on 2050 and 2100 have been used to simulate drainage system response. These responses have been analyzed to quantify inter-annual and intra-annual variability trends. The results will help farmers and environmental scientists better understand how the current subsurface drainage systems would cope with future precipitation patterns and what changes are essential in order to minimize the economic and environmental impacts of subsurface drainage.