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06:42
Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
Published on: July 22, 2019
Phosphorus retention and remobilization in vegetated buffer strips: a review
William M Roberts1, Marc I Stutter, Philip M Haygarth
1Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK. w.roberts1@lancaster.ac.uk
Journal of Environmental Quality
|February 29, 2012
Summary
Vegetated buffer strips (VBSs) can increase dissolved phosphorus (DP) delivery to surface waters. Research suggests a soil surface layer and enhanced biological activity may remobilize P, requiring further study for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Diffuse pollution from agriculture, particularly phosphorus (P), drives eutrophication in surface waters.
- Vegetated buffer strips (VBSs) are implemented to reduce agricultural P runoff, primarily targeting particulate P.
- Dissolved P (DP) retention by VBSs is often limited, sometimes leading to increased DP delivery to water bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a conceptual model for understanding VBS function regarding dissolved P (DP).
- To identify key processes influencing DP retention and delivery within VBSs.
- To explore factors controlling these identified DP processes for improved management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on VBSs and P dynamics.
- Development of a conceptual model illustrating DP pathways in VBS soils.
- Analysis of evidence for controls on P assimilation, transformation, and remobilization within VBSs.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a P-enriched surface soil layer in VBSs, potentially increasing DP delivery.
- Increased biological activity (plants, microbes) in VBSs may assimilate and remobilize P into more soluble forms.
- Current understanding of P biogeochemical cycling in VBS soils is limited.
Conclusions:
- VBSs may inadvertently increase DP delivery due to specific soil and biological processes.
- Further research into P biogeochemical cycling within VBS soils is crucial.
- Enhanced understanding is needed to develop effective VBS management for DP retention.
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