Phosphorus Captured. Water Quality Restored
The CAPTure system is a simple, groundbreaking modular technology solution for removing dissolved phosphorus from agricultural drainage and runoff before it can mix with local surface waters.
The Challenges Leading to Capture Development
Soil Phosphorus Content
As soil phosphorus content approaches or exceeds the soil’s binding capacity, the chance of soluble phosphorus release increases
Environmental Impacts
Lost phosphorus to surface waters can create adverse water quality conditions
Agri-business Goals
Striving for increased farm productivity can lead to agri-business and traditional drainage management methods that may operate in conflict with the health of aquatic systems
Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for all forms of life. Agricultural production requires additional phosphorus inputs in the form of fertilizers. While plants may use most of the added fertilizer, some is inevitably lost to surface waters as rain carries both dissolved and particulate P in tile drainage or runoff. Phosphorus-laden drainage eventually reaches nearby streams and lakes.
While phosphorus is readily available to terrestrial plants, it is often a “limiting nutrient” in aquatic systems. When agricultural runoff enters aquatic systems, plant and algae growth has the potential to spiral to nuisance levels. If cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”) are present as harmful algal blooms (HABs), these conditions can affect drinking water supplies and create hazardous exposures to humans, livestock, pets, and wildlife.
Mitigating phosphorus losses from the landscape requires conservation practices and operational management in agriculture. Many practices can efficiently capture sediment-attached phosphorus (particulate P) but are much less effective at addressing dissolved phosphorus, the most readily available form that causes water quality impairments.
Why Choose CAPTure for Phosphorus Management
The CAPTure system uses a simple design driven by cost and ease of operation, providing the only proven commercialized solution for capturing soluble phosphorus from the landscape.
Kieser & Associates
Designed and created by Kieser & Associates, LLC (K&A), a team with decades of experience in cutting edge of innovation, environmental policy, and water resources management.
Great Lakes Protection Fund
Backing by the Great Lakes Protection Fund, an impact investor partnering with passionate people to create solutions for the Great Lakes ecosystem.
By coupling CAPTure structures with drainage water management, large flows are attenuated and filtered within hours.
With a replaceable filter media system, CAPTure installations achieve a minimal footprint. A single 4′ x 5′ CAPTure tank can treat 20-25 acres of drainage.
CAPTure Compared to Other Conservation Practices
This technology offers an easy, cost-effective add-on to current practices that captures dissolved phosphorus more efficiently than traditional conservation practices.
Feature
Targets soluble P (100% bioavailable)
Targets particulate P
Size
Installation
Maintenance
Failure Rate
CAPTURE
Yes
No
Small
$
$
Low
Traditional Practices
(cover crops, buffer strips, tillage mangement, sediment basins, constricted wetlands)
No
Yes (only 33% is bioavailable)
Moderate to Large
$$$
$$-$$$
Moderate
How the CAPTure System Supports Water Resource Management and Water Quality Stakeholders
Water Resources Managment
Agriculture
Enhances resiliency of agricultural operations by capturing soluble P losses
Wetlands
A value-add technology for capture of wetland soluble P losses
Water Quality
Farming Consultants
An agile system integrated into drain tile installations with water management structures
Non-Governmental Organizations:
Supports phosphorus runoff mitigation strategies and programs
Regulatory Agencies:
A solution to inform and support regulatory actions to address water quality
Resources
Ready to learn more about the CAPTure system? Our resources pages offer guidance and answers questions. Connect with our team for additional support!