Harnessing the expertise of four, state-level organizations (Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois LICA, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Illinois) to improve water quality through the promotion of conservation drainage practice adoption, the Woodchip Bioreactor Partnership showcases the physical implementation of denitrifying woodchip bioreactors and gathers real-world research data on the performance of these recommended practices for nutrient loss reduction. Since its inception in 2017, the Woodchip Bioreactor Partnership has installed 6 denitrifying woodchip bioreactors across the state at an average rate of one per year.

The partnership’s sixth woodchip bioreactor installed in Heyworth, IL over a few days in early May 2024 measured 16’ x 70’ and was designed to treat over 48 acres of subsurface drainage (future field day pending). For all intents and purposes, the practice was a standard uncapped, single structure, NRCS woodchip bioreactor design. And despite some layout adjustments and wet weather during construction, installation went very smoothly under the leadership of lead ILICA contractor member Rob Williamson of Williamson Excavating and his company’s crew, on behalf of Illinois LICA.

One of the more notable aspects of this particular project, and a partnership first, was the installation of the practice on an interested landowner’s neighbor’s property! Leveraging a close and cooperative relationship with his neighbor, landowner Lyle Hughart devised and negotiated a creative means of implementing another woodchip bioreactor to treat his farm’s tile drainage system outlet. With a passion for conservation and a non-cashed cropped parcel immediately across the street from Lyle’s farm, his neighbor agreed to enter into a 99-year “bioreactor lease” on his property for the installation of the practice. Construction of the bioreactor, especially on a neighbor’s property, in this non-cash cropped acreage, consisting of cool season grasses and some various young trees surrounding the waterway, serves as a unique example of expanding the opportunities for installation of conservation drainage practices in situations where landowner’s maybe reluctant to remove acres from production agriculture. Lyle’s agreement with his neighbor met his goal of installing another woodchip bioreactor to improve water quality leaving his farm and likely accomplished this goal in a more cost-effective manner than taking his ground out of production. Additionally, it has engaged and enlisted a non-producer on the issue of local water quality which will likely have broader impacts beyond both landowners’ properties.

With field day details pending, you can check out the photos and videos from construction at: https://www.illica.net/project-gallery. Thank you to the Woodchip Bioreactor Partnership partners, Williamson Excavating, the ILICA Show Committee, and Agri Drain, who supported the project through material discounts.