Evaluating the critical source area concept of phosphorus loss from soils to water-bodies in agricultural catchments
Article
Article Title | Evaluating the critical source area concept of phosphorus loss from soils to water-bodies in agricultural catchments |
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ERA Journal ID | 3551 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Shore, M. (Author), Jordan, P. (Author), Mellander, P. -E. (Author), Kelly-Quinn, M. (Author), Wall, D. P. (Author), Murphy, P. N. C. (Author) and Melland, A. R. (Author) |
Journal Title | Science of the Total Environment |
Journal Citation | 490, pp. 405-415 |
Number of Pages | 11 |
Year | 2014 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Place of Publication | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
ISSN | 0048-9697 |
1879-1026 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.122 |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969714006470# |
Abstract | Using data collected from six basins located across two hydrologically contrasting agricultural catchments, this study investigated whether transport metrics alone provide better estimates of storm phosphorus (P) loss from basins than critical source area (CSA) metrics which combine source factors as well. Concentrations and loads of P in quickflow (QF) were measured at basin outlets during four storm events and were compared with dynamic (QF magnitude) and static (extent of highly-connected, poorly-drained soils) transport metrics and a CSA metric (extent of highly-connected, poorly-drained soils with excess plant-available P).Pairwise comparisons between basins with similar CSA risks but contrasting QF magnitudes showed that QF flow-weighted mean TRP (total molybdate-reactive P) concentrations and loads were frequently (at least 11 of 14 comparisons) more than 40% higher in basins with the highest QF magnitudes. Furthermore, static transport metrics reliably discerned relative QF magnitudes. However, particulate P (PP) concentrations were often (6 of 14 comparisons) higher in basins with the lowest QF magnitudes, most likely due to soil-management activities (e.g. ploughing), in these predominantly arable basins at these times. Pairwise comparisons between basins with contrasting CSA risks and similar QF magnitudes showed that TRP and PP concentrations and loads did not reflect trends in CSA risk or QF magnitude. Static transport metrics did not discern relative QF magnitudes between these basins.In basins with contrasting transport risks, storm TRP concentrations and loads were well differentiated by dynamic or static transport metrics alone, regardless of differences in soil P. In basins with similar transport risks, dynamic transport metrics and P source information additional to soil P may be required to predict relative storm TRP concentrations and loads. Regardless of differences in transport risk, information on land use and management, may be required to predict relative differences in storm PP concentrations between these agricultural basins. |
Keywords | basin; critical source area; hydrology; quickflow; soil; transport risk |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 340609. Transport properties and non-equilibrium processes |
410605. Soil physics | |
300202. Agricultural land management | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University College Dublin, Ireland |
University of Ulster, United Kingdom | |
Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Ireland | |
Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland | |
National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q2727/evaluating-the-critical-source-area-concept-of-phosphorus-loss-from-soils-to-water-bodies-in-agricultural-catchments
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