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In November 2016, as part of Stone's efforts to evaluate the impacts of subsurface agricultural tile drainage systems to water quality in Vermont, we prepared a literature review on tile drainage and phosphorus losses from agricultural land for the Lake Champlain Basin Program. This literature review synthesizes the current state of knowledge concerning the effects of subsurface drainage on hydrology, reported P concentrations and loads in subsurface drainage water, and major factors influencing the loss of P through subsurface drainage, derived from published scientific research. It also briefly identifies techniques of drainage management and treatment to reduce P losses.

For additional information about Stone's tile drain system assessment and our work to better understand the impacts of tile drainage systems to water quality, view our case study: Evaluating the Impacts of Subsurface Agricultural Tile Drainage Systems to Water Quality in Vermont