Location
The Root River is 82 miles long and flows through diverse landscapes and farmland. The area of land that drains into the River originates as far west as Sargeant, Minnesota and flows directly into the Mississippi River near Hokah, Minnesota. The watershed covers over 1,600 square miles (> one million acres) in Dodge, Mower, Fillmore, Olmsted, Winona and Houston counties.
Three, small sub-watersheds within the Root River Watershed were selected for this study in 2009. The sub-watersheds are less than 5,000 acres and located within each of the three main landscapes of the greater Root River. Hover over the watersheds in the map to learn more.
South Branch of the Root River Headwaters (2800 acres)
Located in the glacial till uplands region in the western portion of the Root River watershed. This area is dominated by flat terrain and has poorly drained soils. There are 14 farm operators in this sub-watershed. The average field size is 130 acres and the major crops grown are corn and soybeans.
Crystal Creek (3800 acres)
Located in the karst region of the Root River watershed. This area is dominated by rolling hills made up of carbonated bedrock (limestone) with distinct karst features such as sinkholes, sinking streams and groundwater springs. There are 19 farm operators in this sub-watershed. The average field size is 25 acres and the major crops grown are corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
Bridge Creek (4700 acres)
Located in the bluffland region of the Root River watershed. This landscape consists of deeply dissected hills and valleys with steep forested slopes that often exceed 30%. This area is where the Root River flows into the Mississippi River. There are 16 farm operators in this sub-watershed. The average field size is 16 acres and the major crops grown are corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
