SPROut FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
2005 Recipients of SPROut Grant Awards
1. The Use of High Rate Irrigation of Poplar Trees as a Nutrient Reduction System
Mark Madison, P.E.,
CH2M Hill, with City of Woodburn’s WWTP
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of using high rate irrigation of poplar trees to polish applied water percolating below the root zone. The higher rate irrigation intends to maximize the benefits of utilizing the natural plant system as a nutrient reduction system rather than just a water consumption system. A highly monitored and controlled research site at the existing mature poplar re-use farm at Woodburn, in parallel with a comparable study at The Oregon Gardens, will provide the data to determine the optimal irrigation rate for beneficial re-use and groundwater recharge. A demonstration plot of poplar trees within The Oregon Garden, and the off-site portion of the research study at Woodburn’s WWTP will be irrigated at higher than agronomic rates, to test the hypothesis that irrigation at higher rates can remain protective of groundwater quality.
The poplar trees do not need to consume all of the water to consume the nutrients that the water contains. At Woodburn, when the site is irrigated at hydraulic agronomic rates, the nutrient loading rate for nitrogen is much less than the uptake capacity of the trees. Therefore, only when the site is irrigated at 400% of gross irrigation requirement, is the nutrient loading anticipated to come close to matching the nitrogen uptake capacity of the trees.
As the water slowly percolates through the root zone, nutrients are removed and water quality is increased as it moves below the root zone. Recharge of higher quality water to the shallow aquifer at the site can enhance the flow of cool water to nearby rivers from springs during low flow periods. The total annual volume of water discharged to the nearby river from the WWTP poplar tree site would be similar to the current volume discharged from the WWTP outfall pipe. However, the water would be further treated by the extensive root system of the poplar trees and would be discharged through natural springs with the cool shallow groundwater. It is anticipated that the net environmental impact of higher rate irrigation would be positive.
The data will be readily available to the public at both sites and will promote public support for beneficial reuse by expanding the understanding of plants as a sustainable natural treatment system.
2. New uses for the world’s oldest crop: using barley straw to control algae in aquatic environments
Dr. Patrick Hayes,
Oregon State University, Dept. of Crop and Soil Science
Barley straw is reported to control algae. The data range from solid to shaky. There is widespread belief in the properties of barley straw - a March 12, 2005 Google search for “barley straw, algae” gave 26,300 hits. Some of these hits are research reports, but most are advertisements for barley straw – at prices of up to $10.00 per pound! For the past year and a half we have been investigating the properties of barley straw, with support from the Agricultural Research Foundation. Our results are reported at http://www.barleyworld.org/barleystraw.php.
The new work will continue this research by addressing two principal goals.
Characterize algae, straw chemical properties, and control levels in representative environments
- Document water quality and aquatic algae populations, pre and post barley straw application, at The Oregon Garden and J. Frank Schmidt and Son's nursery
- Determine the chemical and metabolomic profiles of untreated barley straw and straw at multiple stages of decomposition
- Develop a quick assay for the control of various barley straw extracts and preparations
- Develop educational resources on barley straw for algae control. These will include signs at the Oregon Garden, Extension bulletins, pamphlets, internet resources, and articles in the popular and scientific press
Develop new barley straw-based tools for algae control and wetland/ riparian zone restoration
- Solar fountains with barley straw filters
- Floating barley mat gardens for simultaneous straw decomposition and bio- filtration
- Barley straw mats for straw delivery; invasive weed control, and soil stabilization in riparian zones and wetlands
3. Botanical Burrito & Aquatic Topiary Production and Planting Trials
Paul Kay,
Rogue Water Restoration Associates
Floating wetland and riparian plant rafts with forced circulation and aeration will be used to enhance pond water quality. Mature plants will be harvested live and transplanted for pond and stream bank stabilization, erosion control, and wetland establishment. Soil media wetland sod will also be produced and transplanted. Production methods and costs, plant materials, and applications will be evaluated and published.
The primary practical objective is to integrate value added production of wetland and riparian plant materials with simultaneous use of plants for enhancement of surface water quality.
The primary social objective is to transfer technology to general and technical populations through fun, hands-on demonstrations and trials, and “how-to” workshops and toolboxes.
Excess nutrients that would otherwise impair surface waters will be converted to more desirable forms including nursery stock and erosion control materials. Plant material production techniques and uses are designed for immediate establishment, low maintenance, and long-term success.
Public awareness of wetland and riparian functions and species will be built through direct, positive experience. Practical value will be added by integrating economic development with environmental remediation services. Market awareness combined with practical value will provide market incentive for intentional and incidental application of wetland ecosystem services.
Additional Funding Sources:
For projects involving the use of plants for environmentally beneficial purposes, you may also want to check out:
Horticultural Research Institute website
USDA Agricultural Research Service website
Agricultural Research Foundation website
