Past restoration of hardwood forests prioritized planting of woody vegetation cover, particularly oaks (Quercus spp.). This restoration regime often did not consider other microhabitat components, which failed to restore habitat complexity. Giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl.) was an important microhabitat feature for creating a dense understory structure within the hardwood forest landscape. Many bird species are associated with stands of giant cane (canebrakes) for food, cover, and nesting ground. The decline of canebrakes may reduce nesting and foraging habitat, negatively impacting bird communities. Here, we used a hierarchical multi-species occupancy model to assess how giant cane and its associated overstory forest structure influenced breeding bird occupancy in southern Illinois. Bird surveys were conducted from May to July 2022-2024 at 100 site-years using passive acoustic monitoring. Responses to the vegetation structure (tree density and size) and canebrakes varied among species and nesting guilds (overstory, understory, and ground). Occurrence probabilities of 54% of the bird species increased with the presence of canebrake. We did not find any significant relationships between bird occupancy and vegetation structure and canebrake characteristics. Overall, maintaining a hardwood forest stand with a heterogeneous canopy cover would create variations in light environments, allowing canebrakes to benefit bird species across nesting guilds.

Shifting from reduced tillage (RT) to no-till (NT) often reduces phosphorus (P) runoff by minimizing soil erosion. However, it might increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions or nitrate-N (NO3-N) leaching. Including a legume cover crop such as hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.) before corn (Zea mays L.) is a common practice among growers in the Midwest USA. However, the effects of hairy vetch following soybean (Glycine max L.) harvest on NO3-N leaching and N2O emissions during the following corn season in soil with clay and fragipans are less assessed. This study evaluated the influence of cover crop (hairy vetch vs. no-CC control) and tillage systems (NT vs. RT) when 179 kg ha- 1 nitrogen (N) was applied at planting on (i) corn yield, N uptake, removal, and balance; (ii) N2O emissions and NO3-N leaching; (iii) yield-scaled N2O emissions and NO3-N leaching during two corn growing seasons. We also evaluated factors influencing N2O emissions and NO3-N leaching via principal component analysis. Corn grain yield was higher in RT (8.4 Mg ha-1) than NT (6.2 Mg ha- 1), reflecting more available N in the soil in RT than NT, possibly due to the favorable aeration and increased soil temperature in deeper soil layers resulting from tillage. Hairy vetch increased corn grain yield and soil N. However, it led to higher losses of both N2O-N and NO3-N, indicating that increased corn grain yield, due to the hairy vetch's N contribution, also resulted in higher N losses. Yield-scaled N2O-N emissions in NT-2019 (3696.4 g N2O-N Mg-1) were twofold higher than RT-2019 (1872.7 g N2O-N Mg- 1) and almost fourfold higher than NT-2021 and RT2021 indicating in a wet year like 2019, yield-scaled N2O-N emissions were higher in NT than RT. Principal component analysis indicated that NO3-N leaching was most correlated with soil N availability and corn grain yield (both positive correlations). In contrast, due to the continued presence of soil N, soil N2O-N fluxes were more driven by soil volumetric water content (VWC) with a positive correlation. We conclude that in soils with claypan and fragipans in humid climates, NT is not an effective strategy to decrease N2O-N fluxes. Hairy vetch benefits corn grain yield and supplements N but increases N loss through NO3-N leaching and N2O-N emissions.

Conventional corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation contributes to nitrate-N and phosphate leaching to waterbodies causing water quality concerns. Two strategies that could minimize N and P losses include (i) incorporating winter rye (Secale cereale L.) (WR) as a cover crop to capture residual nutrients or (ii) intensifying the corn-soybean rotation with winter wheat (WW) (Triticum aestivum L.) (Double cropping). Double cropping WW at a right N management could increase farm profit and provide incentives for adoption as well. A trial was established at two sites (Carbondale, and Belleville, IL) to evaluate soybean and overall cash crop performance along with nitrate-N and phosphate losses in a single season [soybean following a no-cover crop control vs. WR as compared to three double cropping scenarios (low, medium, and high intensity N management of WW prior to soybean). The results indicated that double cropping decreased soybean yield regardless of N management intensity during the previous WW. Nitrogen addition to WW resulted in increased nitrate-N leaching during the WW phase but at medium and high N intensity scenarios, decreased the nitrate-N leaching during the following soybean phase and overall WW-soybean growing seasons suggesting double cropping could minimize N losses and provide farm profit.

Forested wetland remnants, including giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) patches, or “canebrakes”, provide vegetation cover and habitat structure within agriculture-dominated landscapes of the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Although anecdotal accounts suggest high wildlife diversity in canebrakes, herpetofauna in these habitats remain poorly studied. We conducted time-constrained visual surveys of herpetofauna from April– June 2022–2023 at 32 pairs of canebrake/non-canebrake sites in southwestern Illinois, USA. We examined differences in herpetofauna diversity and community structure between canebrakes and non-canebrakes using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and non-metric multidimensional scaling. We assessed the occupancy of herpetofauna using community occupancy models. We detected 17 herpetofauna species in canebrakes, 16 of which had not been previously reported in canebrakes. We observed no difference in richness, abundance, diversity, and assemblages of herpetofauna between canebrakes and non-canebrakes (p > 0.05). Reptile occupancy was higher in denser, larger, and shorter canebrakes, while amphibian occupancy was higher in denser, smaller, and taller canebrakes. Reptiles occupied open canopy areas that facilitated thermoregulation activities, while amphibians occupied areas with high tree density that better retained moisture. Remnant canebrake structure (sparse) and distribution (fragmented) might explain the lack of strong influence of canebrake presence on herpetofauna communities. Given that many herpetofauna species were observed in canebrakes, re-establishment of dense, contiguous stands of canebrakes may improve quality of wetland landscape as wildlife habitat. In addition, maintaining habitat heterogeneity and managing vegetation diversity in wetlands are important for herpetofauna conservation.

AbstractWinter cover crops (CCs) have the potential to reduce phosphorus (P) loss by temporarily fixing P into CC biomass. A field experiment with no‐tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) was used to study the ability of different CC species planted after corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) harvests to reduce the P availability in soil solution. The effect of three crop rotations (corn–no CC–soybean–no CC [C–S], corn–cereal rye (Secale cereale)–soybean–hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) [C–R–S–HV], corn–cereal rye–soybean–oats (Avena sativa)+ radish (Raphanus sativus L.) [C–R–S–OR]) and two tillage (NT and CT) treatments was determined on soil available P and soil solution P content through pan (A horizon) and tension (100‐cm depth) cup lysimeters. The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design with tillage as a split factor with three replicates. Over the study period, incorporating hairy vetch in C–R–S–HV rotation reduced the Mehlich‐3 P content in soil by 26%–29% compared to the C–S and C–R–S–OR rotation. Both CC rotations (C–R–S–HV and C–R–S–OR) were effective in reducing dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentration in pan and tension cup lysimeters compared to the C–S in both CT and NT systems. However, these results varied with CC species grown and seasonal variability in precipitation. A significantly lower DRP load with crop rotation and tillage treatments was observed mainly during the CC growing season. During the study period, crop rotations with reduced labile soil P content and DRP loss were ranked in an order of C–R–S–HV > C–R–S–OR > C–S. Overall, this study showed that CCs have the potential in both CT and NT systems to significantly reduce P in soil and soil solution, and these effects are resilient to a wide range of precipitation conditions.

Saturated buffers are a newly developed agricultural best management practice used to redirect tile flow away from waterways, thereby mitigating nutrient losses and downstream eutrophication. This study evaluated the potential benefits of a novel saturated buffer design, which included pitchfork-shaped (PF) dispersion lines and a backflow check valve, that was installed alongside a traditional or standard (ST) buffer on a field in Moultrie County, Illinois, in the spring of 2019. Daily flow measurements and routine water samples were used to monitor the movement of water through both buffers and estimate nutrient loads. During observation days in 2020 and 2021, the PF buffer diverted 35% and 1.9% of incoming tile flow, respectively, while the ST buffer increased effluent rates by 116% and 137% over the same period. Both the PF and ST buffers experienced backflow from 30% to 47% of the monitoring period, well above the often reported 5%. Ultimately, the efficacy of saturated buffers could be improved with minimal, low-cost additions to their designs. Check valves are a simple supplement to saturated buffer design that can enhance flow diversion and potential nutrient removal. Added dispersion lines provide more opportunity for diversion of tile flow; however, they require more land to be removed from agricultural production and could increase backflow volumes, so the costs and benefits should be weighed.

Row crop agriculture systems are a significant contributor to non-point source nutrient loading into water bodies. One approach to reduce phosphorus (P) losses through surface runoff is applying flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum as a soil amendment. This research was conducted to examine the effects of different rates of FGD gypsum application to corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max) plots on water quality parameters including dissolved reactive phosphate (DRP), total phosphorus (TP), and total suspended solids (TSS). The study was conducted on a high P level (>30 mg P kg−1) soil in a completely randomized design with four treatments each replicated three times. The four treatments were no FGD gypsum (control), FGD gypsum at a rate of 2.2 Mg ha−1, FGD gypsum at 4.5 Mg ha−1, and FGD gypsum at 13.5 Mg ha−1. Gypsum applications were effective in reducing P loads in surface runoff water, with a significant (P < 0.1) reduction in DRP and TP from all the treatments compared to the control during the initial post-gypsum application period (December 2018–May 2019). Results suggest application rates of 4.5 Mg ha−1 and 13.5 Mg ha−1 were most suitable to reduce P loads in surface runoff water from Hosmer silt loam soil with high soil test P (STP) prior to P fertilizer application. However, following P fertilizer application (May 2019–January 2020), gypsum was not effective in reducing P in surface runoff. Overall, FGD gypsum appeared to be an effective phosphorus abatement tool for southern Illinois soils to improve water quality. Though, how long it remains effective appears to be in question given our results in the post P fertilization period.

Abstract Ecosystem services and cash crop benefits provided by cover crops (CCs) can be affected by temporal and spatial variability of CC performances as influenced by topographic position of the field. A watershed‐scale study was initiated in 2015 to assess the influence of crop rotations [cereal rye (Secale cereale L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.)–corn (Zea mays L.) (CC) and winter‐fallow soybean–winter‐fallow corn (NoCC)] and topography (i.e., shoulder, backslope, and footslope) on corn and soybean productivity in southern Illinois. Cereal rye increased soybean yield by 0.29 Mg ha‐1 at the shoulder position, but it reduced yield by 0.44 Mg ha‐1 at the footslope position when compared with the NoCC treatments. At the footslope position, every 1 Mg ha‐1 increase in cereal rye biomass increased soybean yield by 0.87 Mg ha‐1. Soybean yield was negatively related to the cereal rye biomass at the shoulder and backslope positions. Within the CC rotation, corn yield was greater at the shoulder and backslope positions than at the footslope. Hairy vetch biomass affected corn yield positively within each landscape position. Cover cropping did not improve soybean and corn yield at the footslope position. Site‐specific CC management is critical if the landscape has significant variability in soil characteristics.

Abstract Cover crops (CCs) and tillage practices influence C and N pools in soil, which can affect dissolved organic C (DOC) and N leaching from agricultural fields. Previous studies on cover crops have focused mostly on nitrate leaching and total C (TC). Therefore, a study was conducted in southern Illinois from 2015 to 2018 to evaluate the effects of tillage systems (conventional till [CT] and no‐tillage [NT]) and CCs on C and N pools including water‐extractable C (WEC), permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), TC, water‐extractable N (WEN), and total N (TN) in soil and on TN and DOC leaching collected with zero‐tension lysimeters. Crop rotations included were corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation without winter CC (C–S), corn–cereal rye (Secale cereale L.)–soybean–hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) (C–R–S–HV), corn–cereal rye–soybean–oat + radish (Avena sativa L.+ Raphanus sativus L.) (C–R–S–OR). The WEC decreased over time under CT system at a depth to 0–15 cm in rotation C–R–S–OR having cereal rye and oat + radish CCs. The POXC at depths of 15–30 and 30–45 cm increased significantly over time from fall 2015 to spring 2018 for all rotations under both tillage systems. The cumulative DOC leaching was greater in C–R–S–HV rotation than in C–S rotation in fall 2015 and spring 2018. Inclusion of cereal rye in C–R–S–HV and C–R–S–OR rotations reduced cumulative TN leaching compared with the C–S having no CC in spring 2018. Increased DOC leaching losses with the introduction of CC should be addressed and need further evaluation for its impact on C cycling in surface and subsurface waters.

Cover crops (CCs) play an important role in integrated weed management. Data necessary to evaluate the role of CCs in weed management at the watershed scale with topographic positions are lacking. We evaluated the effects of cereal rye and hairy vetch CCs on weed suppression at different topographic positions (shoulder, backslope, and footslope) at a watershed scale. Watersheds with a CC treatment followed a crop rotation of corn-cereal rye-soybean-hairy vetch, whereas watersheds without a CC (no-CC) had a crop rotation of corn-winter fallow-soybean-winter fallow. A negative relationship was present between CCs and weed biomass at the shoulder, backslope, and footslope topographic landscape positions, with R-2 values of 0.40, 0.48, and 0.50, respectively. In 2016, a cereal rye CC reduced weed biomass 46% to 50% at footslope and shoulder positions compared to no CC. In 2018, a cereal rye CC reduced weed biomass between 52% and 85% at all topographic positions in CC treatment watersheds compared to no-CC watersheds. Hairy vetch in 2017 reduced weed biomass 62% to 72% at footslope and shoulder topographic positions in CC watersheds compared to no-CC. The C:N ratio of weed biomass in CC treatment watersheds was generally higher compared to watersheds without CCs. In this study, several significant interactions were found between the topographic positions and CC treatments. Cover crop-induced weed suppression at different topographic positions can lead to developing better site-specific weed control strategies. Therefore, CC interactions with topography, weed germination potential, and the role of soil moisture at the watershed scale should be further evaluated.

Cover crops (CCs) are promoted in agricultural systems because of multi-functionality claims of CCs increasing soil health, improving nutrient management, and enhancing crop yields. However, the adoption of CCs by farmers remains marginal in the United States because of the direct increase in the cost of planting and potential interference of CCs with grain crop production. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of CC and noCC rotations; corn (Zea mays L.) -cereal rye (Secale cereale L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.) [CcrShv], corn-cereal rye-soybean-oat+radish (Avena sativa L.+Raphanus sativus L.) [CcrSor], and corn-noCC-soybean-noCC [CncSnc] and two tillage systems [no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT)] on aboveground plant attributes including dry matter yield, C/N ratio, N uptake, and crop yields. Rotation with hairy vetch as a preceding CC (CcrShv) increased corn grain yield by 14.09 and 12.35% compared to rotations having noCC and oat+radish as preceding CCs in one of the years, respectively. Nitrogen uptake by cereal rye preceding soybean in CcrShv and CcrSor was 16-20 kg ha(-1) greater compared to winter weeds in CncSnc. Higher C/N ratio of cereal rye resulted in immobilizing N. Soybean yields for both CC treatments with NT and CT were 0.3-0.6 Mg ha(-1) reduced compared to noCC. Our results indicated that hairy vetch was better than oat+radish for supplying additional N to corn thereby improving corn yields. However, cereal rye preceding soybean may negatively impact soybean yields.

Best management practices (BMPs) are site-specific and their implementation, long-term management, and maintenance are important for successful reduction of phosphorus (P) loss into headwater streams. This paper reviews published research on managing P loss from agricultural cropping systems in the Midwestern United States and classified the available research based on BMPs and their efficacy in reducing P loss. This review paper also identifies the areas where additional research could provide insight for managing P losses. Our literature review shows that cover crops, reduced tillage, saturated buffers, and constructed wetlands are the most evaluated areas of current research. However, additional research is necessary on the site-specific area to measure the effectiveness of BMPs in managing P loss. The BMPs that serve as a sink of P need further evaluation in long-term field-scale trials. Studies evaluating adsorption and desorption mechanisms of P in surface and subsurface soils with materials or amendments that bind P in the soil are needed. The time required and pathways, where the flush of available P is lost or fixed in the soil matrix, need further investigation. Measured P loss from BMPs like bioreactors and saturated buffers supplemented with P adsorption materials or filters need to be simulated with models for their prediction and validation. Field evaluations of P index and critical source area concepts should be investigated for identifying problematic areas in the watersheds. Identification of overlapping areas of high P source and transport can help in strategic planning and layout, thereby resulting in reducing the cost of implementing BMPs at field and watershed scales.

Cover crops (CC) are versatile and have multifunctional benefits in crop rotations. An understanding of the effect of tillage systems on cover crop (CC) residue decomposition and nitrogen (N) release is essential in cash crop production planning. We investigated the decomposition rate and N release from cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) CC residue in no-tillage (NT) and reduced-tillage (RT) systems under corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations. Litterbags were placed in the soil in RT and on soil surface in NT after CC termination in April and collected weekly for 10 wk to measure residue and N retained. Tillage systems did not affect the decomposition rate constant (k) and accumulated N release for both CC. Hairy vetch residue decomposed faster (k = 0.3494) than cereal rye (k = 0.1955) and released a greater amount of N in the soil (hairy vetch vs. cereal rye = 60 vs. 28 kg ha(-1)), attributable to greater N concentration and narrow C/N ratio compared to cereal rye in 2017 and 2018. Hairy vetch rapidly released N in the soil within 2 wk of termination. Both cover crops had greater decomposition rate constant and accelerated mass loss in 2018 than in 2017, possibly due higher spring temperatures in 2018 than 2017. Hairy vetch CC after terminating greatly enhance N availability in the soil, therefore, alternate management practices like planting green for grain crop following hairy vetch CC might be needed to capture released N.

Autumn olive ( Thunb.) is an invasive and exotic N-fixing plant species found throughout the United States. Proliferation and spread of autumn olive have displaced native plants and raised concerns about the effects of N fixation and cycling on water quality in invaded areas. This study investigated the relationship between autumn olive cover and stream N concentrations. Twelve forested watersheds were selected and classified into edge, mid-distance, and interior-of-the-forest watersheds based on autumn olive density and distance from the permanent edge of invasion point along a major road corridor. For the 2012 vegetation survey, autumn olive cover in edge, mid, and interior watersheds ranged from 37 to 61%, 18 to 37%, and 4 to 10%, respectively. From 2006 to 2012, mean stream water NO-N concentration in the edge watersheds was significantly higher (1.39 mg L, < 0.0001) than mid (0.37 mg L) and interior (0.27 mg L) watersheds. A linear relationship was found between NO-N concentration and autumn olive cover ( = 0.72, = 0.0001). Mean stream water NH-N, specific conductivity, and pH were significantly less in the interior watersheds than in the edge watersheds. Additionally, peak specific conductivity and NO-N from edge watersheds coincided with peak stage for these watersheds, demonstrating that N flushing events were driven by surface and shallow subsurface flow pathways proximal to the stream. Results from this study demonstrate how encroachment of autumn olive can influence water quality and transform biogeochemical cycles in natural systems, which points to the need for effective management of autumn olive in the edge watersheds and riparian zones that are vulnerable to invasion and increased N export.

Nitrogen dynamics and water quality benefits deriving from the use of cover crops (CCs) are mostly incurred from plot-scale studies without incorporating large-scale variability that is induced by landscape positions. Our understanding of how topography affects the N response in CC systems is limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of topography (shoulder, backslope, and footslope) and CCs (cereal rye, Secale cereale L. and hairy vetch, Vicia villosa L.) on nitrogen (N) uptake, soil inorganic N content (nitrate-N, NO3-N and total N, TN), and N leaching in watersheds that were planted with or without CCs. The crop rotation in CC watersheds was corn (Zea mays L.)-cereal rye-soybean (Glycine max L.)-hairy vetch whereas control watersheds had corn-no CC-soybean-no CC rotation. Data from the watersheds was collected for three cash crop seasons and three CC seasons from 2015 to 2018. Nitrogen uptake of hairy vetch in CC watersheds was 110.9, 85.02, and 44.89 kg ha−1 higher at the shoulder, backslope, and footslope positions, when compared to shoulder, backslope, and footslope positions of no CC watersheds. About 12 to 69% reduction in soil solution NO3-N and TN was observed with cereal rye CC when compared to no CCs watersheds. However, reductions in soil solution N concentrations were only seen at the footslope position where the hairy vetch reduced NO3-N and TN concentrations by 7.71 and 8.14 mg L−1 in CC watersheds compared to no CC watersheds. During the corn and soybean growing seasons, similar reductions in soil solution N concentration were only seen at the footslope position in the CC watersheds. The excessive N at footslope positions of CC watersheds may have been fixed in CC biomass, immobilized, or lost through denitrification stimulated by higher water availability at the footslope position. The results of this research can help farmers and stakeholders to make decisions that are site-specific and topographically driven for the management of CCs in row-cropped systems.

Core Ideas Total C and total N were greater at shoulder position for alfalfa than in the other two land uses. No observed differences for total C among land uses at backslope and footslope positions. Labile pools of C and N showed differences with land use and topographic positions. In general, labile C and N pools followed alfalfa > black walnut plantation > corn–soybean. Labile and bulk pools of carbon and nitrogen (C and N) play different functional roles in soil organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the (i) effects of land use [corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) plantation] and (ii) vertical distribution of labile [potassium permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), water extractable organic carbon (WEOC), water extractable nitrogen (WEN)] and bulk [total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN)] pools of C and N in soil to a depth of 105 cm at different topographic positions within a watershed. Alfalfa had 10.02 to 14.86 Mg ha−1 greater TC than corn–soybean and black walnut plantation on the shoulder position in the surface horizon (0–15 cm), whereas the subsurface horizon (15–105 cm) showed no significant differences for TC measured at all topographic positions. Soil POXC was significantly higher in alfalfa than corn–soybean in the surface layer of 0 to 15 cm by 1748.6, 1904.03, and 2878.67 kg ha−1 at the shoulder, backslope, and footslope positions, respectively. However, no differences were observed for POXC at the shoulder position when all subsurface layers were combined at 15‐ to 105‐cm depth. In general, the labile pools of C and N showed differences with land use and topographic positions and followed alfalfa > black walnut plantation > corn–soybean. The study results suggest that for accurate assessment of land use on C and N gains and/or losses both bulk and labile pools should be measured including the entire root zone depth. Topographic differences should be accounted for assessing C and N pools at the watershed scale.

A number of contaminants including agrochemicals (fertilizers, pesticides), heavy metals, trace elements, and pathogenic microbes along with pharmaceuticals and hormones used in animal production move through the soil and are responsible for degradation of groundwater quality. Therefore, it is essential to sample soil solution for better understanding of movement and environmental fate of various contaminants in soils. We review different soil solution extraction samplers. The soil solution samplers discussed here are: drainage lysimeter or soil column, pan lysimeter, resin bags or membranes, wick lysimeters, suction cup, and suction plate. We have reviewed 304 journal articles representing a wide array of scientific disciplines. A brief history of soil solution monitoring and terminology used for describing various soil solution samplers is also provided. This review classifies literature on the basis of type of soil solution extraction samplers, soil type, land use–land cover (LULC), and analytes measured. Recommendation criteria are provided for selecting appropriate soil solution extraction samplers based on spatial and temporal variation, cost, soil type, amount of disturbance caused during installation of soil solution samplers, and monitoring of leachates involving different cations, anions, carbon, pH, EC, colloids, pesticides, and microbes. Use of advanced techniques with lysimeters for monitoring soil moisture content, soil water potential and flux is also discussed in this review.

Core IdeasSoil solution sampling is essential to better understand water and solute movement in soils.A review of different types of soil solution samplers is provided in this paper, including: drainage lysimeter or soil column, pan lysimeter, resin bags or membranes, wick lysimeters, suction cup, and suction plate.Recent developments, modifications, and recommendation criteria are provided for selecting appropriate soil solution extraction samplers.A number of contaminants including agrochemicals (fertilizers, pesticides), heavy metals, trace elements, and pathogenic microbes along with pharmaceuticals and hormones used in animal production move through the soil and are responsible for degradation of groundwater quality. Therefore, it is essential to sample soil solution for better understanding of movement and environmental fate of various contaminants in soils. We review different soil solution extraction samplers. The soil solution samplers discussed here are: drainage lysimeter or soil column, pan lysimeter, resin bags or membranes, wick lysimeters, suction cup, and suction plate. We have reviewed 304 journal articles representing a wide array of scientific disciplines. A brief history of soil solution monitoring and terminology used for describing various soil solution samplers is also provided. This review classifies literature on the basis of type of soil solution extraction samplers, soil type, land use–land cover (LULC), and analytes measured. Recommendation criteria are provided for selecting appropriate soil solution extraction samplers based on spatial and temporal variation, cost, soil type, amount of disturbance caused during installation of soil solution samplers, and monitoring of leachates involving different cations, anions, carbon, pH, EC, colloids, pesticides, and microbes. Use of advanced techniques with lysimeters for monitoring soil moisture content, soil water potential and flux is also discussed in this review.

Vegetative filter strips have been adopted as a common best management practice to manage soil erosion and nutrient losses from cultivated fields. New species and combinations of species are constantly being assessed based on their riparian function. A unique species that is native to southern Illinois and the southeast is giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea). Giant cane's performance as an effective filter of sediment and nutrients from surface and subsurface flows has been recently documented; however, it can be difficult to establish in riparian zones. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a new approach for restoring giant cane in riparian buffer zones and methods that provide quick protection of critical source areas in the field. This study focused on developing a low-cost method for giant cane restoration designed to give reproductive propagules an advantage in assembling a successful canebrake while protecting critical areas bordering agricultural fields and streams/ditches. To achieve this goal, three types of sandbags (polypropylene, treated burlap, and nontreated burlap) were used as growing containers for giant cane rhizomes. Additionally, two soil mixtures and a fertilizer treatment were assessed for their influence on cane emergence, survival, and growth. Results showed that the nontreated burlap/mixed soil-media/no-fertilizer combination provided the best growing environment for newly established giant cane rhizomes. This combination provided sufficient soil moisture and bag permeability to cane. Overall, a 90% success rate for emergence, and 30% survival rate over the growing season was observed using nontreated burlap/mixed soil-media/no-fertilizer.