A comparison analysis of edge-of-field run-off from two sugarcane fields

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Agricultural runoff is an important source of nonpoint source pollution. Surface runoff driven by rainfall events was analyzed at two sugarcane fields (SC1 and SC2) in Louisiana, USA. The study site was within a watershed confined by the Mississippi River levee and a drainage canal (St. James Canal). In total, 14 representative rainfall runoff events were analyzed. For comparison with onsite monitoring, a modeling technique was used to estimate runoff. The results show that run-off/rainfall ratios at SC1 were significantly higher (p 5 0.0001, n ¼ 14) than at SC2, probably mainly due to a higher sand content of the soil and a higher infiltration rate at SC2 than at SC1. Model-calculated runoff showed substantial overestimation compared with the monitoring results, especially at SC2. Comparison analysis suggests that significant infiltration following precipitation is expected in sandy fields, and water discharge into the groundwater aquifer cannot be ignored. Without considering groundwater discharge in model algorism, the model calculation may significantly overestimate actual surface runoff. Introduction Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution has been recognized as a worldwide problem (Clean Water Act 1972; available at