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
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?