A 2 year tile drainage study of 39 fields in Nova Scotia, Canada was conducted. Weekly nitrate-nitrogen (NO(3)-N) concentrations were highest in spring and fall during high flow. Fields receiving poultry or swine manure had elevated drainage NO(3)-N and soil test phosphorus. Water quality guidelines for NO(3)-N (10 mg L(-1)) were exceeded on 90% of rotations (corn-grass or corn-grain) and 13% of long-term cover fields. A significant correlation between NO(3)-N and soil test P (r (2) = 0.42; p < 0.001) was found. The 10 mg L(-1) guideline was exceeded at 100% of fields with soil test phosphorus >200 mg kg(-1) and 60% overall.