Groundwater phosphorus dynamics in an agricultural riparian buffer

Conference Year

January 2020

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential growth-limiting nutrient in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) is used in fertilizers. Excess levels of P catalyze the growth of harmful algal blooms and eutrophication of water bodies. Riparian zones, however, are promoted as a buffer for nutrient and pollutant retention and demobilization from adjacent agricultural land before entering waterbodies. The effectiveness of a Riparian Zone as a buffer is influenced by the complex biogeochemical and hydrologic dynamics of the groundwater, soil, and landscape. Due to climate change, Vermont will experience earlier Springs, more precipitation, higher frequency of heavy rainstorms and hotter, drier summers. This research sought to answer the question, how do rain events influence P mobilization and transportation along an agricultural riparian buffer?

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Carol Adair

Secondary Mentor Name

Julia Perdrial, Andrew Schroth

Faculty/Staff Collaborators

Dustin Kincaid (Post-doc Student Mentor), Erin Seybold (Post-doc Student Mentor)

Status

Undergraduate

Student College

College of Arts and Sciences

Program/Major

Environmental Studies

Primary Research Category

Biological Sciences

Secondary Research Category

Food & Environment Studies

Abstract only.

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Groundwater phosphorus dynamics in an agricultural riparian buffer

Phosphorus (P) is an essential growth-limiting nutrient in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) is used in fertilizers. Excess levels of P catalyze the growth of harmful algal blooms and eutrophication of water bodies. Riparian zones, however, are promoted as a buffer for nutrient and pollutant retention and demobilization from adjacent agricultural land before entering waterbodies. The effectiveness of a Riparian Zone as a buffer is influenced by the complex biogeochemical and hydrologic dynamics of the groundwater, soil, and landscape. Due to climate change, Vermont will experience earlier Springs, more precipitation, higher frequency of heavy rainstorms and hotter, drier summers. This research sought to answer the question, how do rain events influence P mobilization and transportation along an agricultural riparian buffer?