Modeling Phosphorus Losses through Surface Runoff and Subsurface Drainage Using ICECREAM.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Phosphorus (P) loss through surface and subsurface flow is a major environmental concern.
• Effective strategies for P pollution control require accurate modeling of these loss pathways.
• Understanding P dynamics in agricultural soils is crucial for sustainable farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate P losses via surface and subsurface flow using the ICECREAM model.
• To assess the effectiveness of different field practices in mitigating P losses.
• To calibrate and validate the ICECREAM model with field monitoring data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the ICECREAM model for simultaneous simulation of surface and subsurface P losses.
• Employed monitoring data from a mineral-P-fertilized clay loam field in Ontario, Canada, for model calibration and validation.
• Assessed tillage and fertilizer management scenarios using the calibrated model.

Main Results:

• The ICECREAM model satisfactorily simulated major surface and subsurface P loss processes after calibration.
• Shifting autumn tillage to spring resulted in a 10% reduction in total P losses.
• Injecting fertilizer instead of broadcasting led to a 25.4% reduction in total P losses.

Conclusions:

• The ICECREAM model, when carefully calibrated, is effective for simulating soil P losses.
• Field practice modifications like spring tillage and fertilizer injection can substantially decrease P losses.
• Further research is needed to validate model performance with manure P applications.