Mapping Agricultural Drainage Extent in the U.S. Corn Belt: The Value of Multiple Methods

Abstract

Highlights A new 30 m resolution drainage extent dataset is explorable through an online web interface. Alternative methods of mapping drainage extent have advantages in different locations. Multiple drainage extent datasets provide tools for improved hydrology assessment in the Corn Belt. Abstract. Artificial drainage is essential to agricultural productivity in much of the Midwest, and has an important impact on hydrology and water quality. Planners, engineers, resource professionals, and others who are interested in Corn Belt hydrology would benefit from increased understanding of existing drainage installations. The objective of this work is to increase access to and understanding of options for estimating subsurface/surface drainage extent and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods to benefit data users who need to know what products are appropriate for their specific application. This includes creating an online accessible drainage estimate data layer for the entire Corn Belt region; comparing three different drainage extent products for this region and investigating the various applications of these three products in four case study locations in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota. Results show how different drainage datasets can be utilized depending on the nature of the research question and conditions of the investigation. Keywords: Agricultural drainage extent, Geospatial analysis, Tile drainage.