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A new project would provide farmers with better information on the benefits of drainage water management. But to make it work, volunteers are needed.

The project will engage producers to help evaluate the effect of drainage water management on farm economics, soil quality and water quality, according to Norman Fausey, a soil scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Specifically, the project will assess the nutrient reduction benefits achievable with drainage water management systems, Fausey said.

It will span the Western Lake Erie Basin, the Upper and Middle Scioto River Basin, the Miami River Basin and the Grand Lake St. Mary's Basin.

Farmers in these areas are needed to conduct on-farm research to illustrate the benefits of controlled drainage. Farmers will participate throughout the project by managing equipment and gathering data when appropriate. In return they will receive minimal compensation and be eligible for conservation program credits.

A good site might be a field with a well-documented subsurface drainage system, a .5 percent average slope and same soils, Fausey said.

"Individual fields vary in size, but the managed drainage portion of the drained fields needs to be at least 10 acres and not more than 40 acres," he said.

Information gained from the study will be provided to the agricultural community through technical materials, field days and educational events.

For more information, contact Fausey at 614-292-9806.