Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025
A Protocol for Collecting and Constructing Soil Core Lysimeters
Published on: June 6, 2016
Coupled steroid and phosphorus leaching from cattle slurry at lysimeter scale
Amber Manley1, Adrian L Collins2, Adrian Joynes2
1Sustainable Agriculture Sciences, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, EX20 2SB, UK; Agricultural Catchments Programme, Department of Environment, Soils and Landuse, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland; School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK.
This study examined how faecal steroids and total phosphorus (TP) behave in water following cattle slurry application. Results showed steroids can indicate herbivore pollution, but their link to TP requires further investigation in larger environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Agricultural nutrient runoff degrades water quality, particularly from fertilized soils during wet weather.
- The EU Nitrates Directive mandates closed fertilizer spreading periods to mitigate nutrient loss.
- Effective implementation requires understanding nutrient transfer from organic fertilizers and the role of on-farm storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence and behavior of faecal steroids and total phosphorus (TP) in leachate.
- To assess the coupled dynamics of steroids and TP in sub-surface hydrological pathways.
- To evaluate faecal steroids as biomarkers for agricultural pollution and their correlation with phosphorus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monolith lysimeters with cattle slurry applied before and after a closed period.
- Monitored concentrations of faecal steroids and total phosphorus (TP) in leachate.
- Analyzed steroidal concentration ratios to identify faecal pollution sources.
Main Results:
- No significant treatment effect was observed on steroid and TP concentrations (p=0.17).
- Tracer concentrations in leachate significantly changed over time (p=0.001).
- A weak positive correlation was found between steroid and TP concentrations, though the steroidal ratio validated herbivore pollution.
Conclusions:
- Faecal steroids show potential as biomarkers for herbivorous pollution in leachate.
- The association between faecal steroids and total phosphorus is weak and requires further study.
- Investigating tracer behavior at hillslope and catchment scales is crucial for validating findings and informing water quality management.
