University of Kansas and Kansas Geological Survey to begin Study on role of Western Kansas playas on farming, aquifer

Two-year research project examines some of 22,000 playas

  • Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas is embarking on a two-year study of playas that hold water during wet periods in Scott County and elsewhere to better understand their role in recharge of the underground Ogallala aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)
    Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas is embarking on a two-year study of playas that hold water during wet periods in Scott County and elsewhere to better understand their role in recharge of the underground Ogallala aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)
    New research on shallow depressions transformed into mini-wetlands by rainfall and runoff in western Kansas will examine consequences of planting crops on these patches and influence of that activity on the underground High Plains aquifer. During wet periods these low spots in fields can hold water for weeks or months, host a variety of plants and attract eagles, swans, geese and peli...

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