Abstract:
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Eutrophication has been identified as a major environmental concern for freshwater aquatic
ecosystem health. As climate and agricultural management practices change, changes in
prominent water flow pathways and risk of P loss are expected. This study was conducted to
evaluate variations in P losses, specifically DRP and TP, across MAP Fertilizer and wetting and
drying cycles (WDC). Intact soil cores of different soil textures (clay, sandy loam and sand) were
subjected to 12 rainfall events to generate leachate. Results from cumulative losses of DRP and
TP tended to mask treatment effects; however, individual leaching events treatment differences
were identified, notably the significant interaction between MAP placement and WDC which
across all soils. Soils analysis by depth following all rainfall events did not conclusively indicate
evidence of fertilizer P movement. Results suggest that management strategies to minimize P
leaching are dependent upon soil conditions and the first leaching event. |