Project Abstract

This project aims to design a large-scale biobed at Farming Smarter to ensure we are biofiltering all our rinsate. A mobile unit will be built to promote the adoption of on-farm pesticide rinsate biobeds and demonstrate their potential in helping food producers reduce water contamination by pesticides. We will accomplish this by using first-hand knowledge of biobed operation and construction while implementing an on-site permanent biobed here at Farming Smarter. Sharing and using these skills along with demonstrating the results to event participants and area producers aligns with our goal to aid the Alberta Farming Community.

Methods

Results

Three employees took 2 days to assemble the biobed at Farming Smarter. The number one issue we faced was not having enough power at the site. This initially caused problems with the timers and pumps. If more than one pump cycled on at the same time, it drew too much power and would trip the system. When the system was tripped the timers reset and didnt operate.

A diversion valve should be installed between the collection pad and storage tank. When rain is in the forecast you can divert the rainwater to avoid flooding from the system.

Figure 1. Photo of biobed after 1 season of use

Figure 2. Mobile biobed trailer