Project Number: 6618-13000-003-05
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 26, 2007
End Date: Sep 25, 2012

Objective:
Objectives: 1a) To determine the impact of selected nursery fungicides on denitrification efficacy of the potential bioremediation system, 1b) To monitor denitrification efficacy of small scale model bioreactors installed at a commercial nursery, 1c) Begin pesticide screening at local nurseries to determine possible pesticides-of-high-risk, 1d) Conduct literature review of phosphorus removal module options; 2a) Develop a user-friendly web-based interface that will facilitate the use by clientele of the computer model for decision support functions regarding nutrient runoff, 2b) Expand and enhance the applicability of the model by determining, characterizing, and quantifying production parameters needed to model nutrients in runoff for plants grown in 10-liter containers (trade size #3).

Approach:
Studies will investigate the effects of selected fungicides on nitrate-removal capacity using endemic microflora and the substrates previously identified. In addition, several small-scale systems have been installed at local nurseries. We will monitor these systems using automatic samplers to provide proof-of-concept and also to identify field factors that will need to be addressed in final development of the system. Screening studies will also be developed to determine pesticides of high risk to the bioreactor microflora. This will be the last year primarily focusing on the nitrate removal modules. We will begin evaluating phosphorus removal options for developing the next set of modules for this remediation system. A computer model has been developed to predict plant growth and runoff for high water/irrigation-requiring plants produced in 2.4-liter containers (trade size #1). Model inputs are based on numerous experiments where plant growth was recorded in response to weather conditions. Plant growth predicted by the model is linked to runoff, and runoff nutrient composition is predicted for irrigation and fertilization production regimes. The functionality of the model will be expanded to predict phosphorus as well as nitrogen runoff for plants grown in 10-liter containers (trade size #3) that have low and high water/irrigation requirements. Research will be completed outdoors under experimental conditions that simulate those of the production nursery and results verified at nursery sites.