A Soilscape Network Approach (SNAp) to investigate subsurface phosphorus translocation along slopes

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Hydrology

Background:

• Subsurface phosphorus (P) translocation contributes to deep P stocks in riparian buffer zones.
• These deep P stocks can lead to elevated P concentrations and freshwater eutrophication.
• Understanding soilscape P dynamics is crucial for developing mitigation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and apply the Soilscape Network Approach (SNAp) for studying subsurface P translocation.
• To analyze P dynamics within the soilscape using common field sampling strategies.
• To identify P sources, sinks, and translocation pathways to inform mitigation efforts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Soilscape Network Approach (SNAp) for analyzing soilscape P dynamics.
• Employed the graph visualization platform Gephi with field data.
• Applied common field sampling strategies for data collection.

Main Results:

• SNAp application corroborated findings on deep P stocks in riparian buffer zones.
• Identified major P sink and source sites and dominant P translocation pathways.
• Subsurface P translocation from topslopes and middle slopes contributes to deep P stocks, influenced by shallow basalt or fertilizer inputs.

Conclusions:

• SNAp provides a novel analytical perspective on soilscape P dynamics.
• Subsurface P translocation is a significant factor in deep P stock accumulation.
• Findings offer valuable insights for mitigating subsurface P translocation along slopes.