Woodchip Bioreactors
A woodchip bioreactor is an edge-of-field drainage practice that uses woodchips (carbon source), a trench, and two control structures to filter water before it leaves the field.
How It Works
The inflow control structure directs tile-drained water into the woodchips, where bacteria from the soil feed on the carbon source to convert nitrates into harmless nitrogen gas. The outlet structure keeps the water in the bioreactor for denitrification before it is released to the surface water.
Benefits
- Can remove 15-60% of nitrate load
- Takes up no production land
- Low maintenance
- Lasts 15-20 years before woodchips need replaced
In This Section
Contact Us
Talk to a Springfield Plastics, Inc. sales rep to learn more about your edge-of-field drainage and conservation options!