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The phosphorus transfer continuum: linking source to impact with an interdisciplinary and multi-scaled approach
P M Haygarth1, L M Condron, A L Heathwaite
1Soil Science and Environmental Quality Team, Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, North Wyke Research Station, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, UK. phil.haygarth@bbsrc.ac.uk
The Science of the Total Environment
|May 24, 2005
Summary
This review presents a phosphorus (P) transfer continuum model. It highlights the need for integrated, multi-scaled research to address P pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Water Quality Management
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient pollutant impacting aquatic ecosystems.
- Current mitigation strategies focus on agricultural P sources and mobilization, often at field scales.
- Existing knowledge struggles to scale up from controlled experiments to larger environmental systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a 'P transfer continuum' template linking P sources, mobilization, and delivery to water bodies.
- To emphasize the interdisciplinary and inter-scale challenges in understanding P pollution.
- To identify critical research gaps and advocate for multi-scaled approaches.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of existing literature on phosphorus sources and mobilization.
- Conceptual framework development ('P transfer continuum').
- Analysis of scale-dependent limitations in current P research.
Main Results:
- A template is proposed to link P sources and mobilization to water delivery.
- Knowledge gaps exist in extrapolating field-scale findings to larger scales.
- Limitations of past theoretical frameworks are highlighted by complex systems and fractal dynamics.
Conclusions:
- A unified, multi-scaled approach is crucial for effective P management.
- Integrating terrestrial and aquatic science disciplines is urgently needed.
- Developing mechanistic models and identifying research questions requires a holistic perspective.