Modelling soil phosphorus decline: expectations of Water Framework Directive policies
Article
Article Title | Modelling soil phosphorus decline: expectations of Water Framework Directive policies |
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ERA Journal ID | 36370 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Schulte, R. P. O. (Author), Melland, A. R. (Author), Fenton, O. (Author), Herlihy, M. (Author), Richards, K. (Author) and Jordan, P. (Author) |
Journal Title | Environmental Science and Policy |
Journal Citation | 13 (6), pp. 472-484 |
Number of Pages | 13 |
Year | 2010 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Place of Publication | New York, NY. United States |
ISSN | 1462-9011 |
1873-6416 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2010.06.002 |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901110000651# |
Abstract | Depletion of plant-available soil phosphorus (P) from excessive to agronomically optimum levels is a measure being implemented in Ireland to reduce the risk of diffuse P transfer from land to water. Within the Nitrates and Water Framework Directive regulations the policy tool is designed to help achieve good status by 2015 in water bodies at risk from eutrophication. To guide expectation, this study used soil plot data from eight common soil associations to develop a model of Soil Test P (STP) (Morgan's extract) decline following periods of zero P amendment. This was used to predict the time required to move from excessive (Index 4) to the upper boundary of the optimum (Index 3) soil P concentration range. The relative P balance (P balance: Total soil P) best described an exponential decline (R 2=63%) of STP according to a backwards step-wise regression of a range of soil parameters. Using annual field P balance scenarios (-30kgPha -1, -15kgPha -1, -7kgPha -1), average time to the optimum soil P boundary condition was estimated from a range of realistic Total P and STP starting points. For worst case scenarios of high Total P and STP starting points, average time to the boundary was estimated at 7-15 years depending on the field P balance. However, uncertainty analysis of the regression parameter showed that variation can be from 3 to >20 years. Combined with variation in how soil P source changes translate to resulting P delivery to water bodies, water policy regulators are advised to note this inherent uncertainty from P source to receptor with regard to expectations of Water Framework Directive water quality targets and deadlines. |
Keywords | phosphorus; soil; Water Framework Directive |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 410604. Soil chemistry and soil carbon sequestration (excl. carbon sequestration science) |
440704. Environment policy | |
410601. Land capability and soil productivity | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Ireland |
University of Ulster, United Kingdom | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q290w/modelling-soil-phosphorus-decline-expectations-of-water-framework-directive-policies
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