Weather, Landscape, and Management Effects on Nitrate and Soluble Phosphorus Concentrations in Subsurface Drainage in the Western Lake Erie Basin

摘要

Subsurface drainage, while an important and necessary agricultural production practice in the Midwest, cc tributes nitrate (NO3-N) and soluble phosphorus (P) to surface waters. Eutrophication (i.e., excessive enrichment of surfo water by NO3-N and soluble P) supports harmful algal blooms in receiving waters. The magnitude of NO3-N and soluble loss in subsurface drainage varies greatly by landscape, weather, andfield management factors. This study evaluated be the relative and combined impacts of these factors on observed NO3-N and soluble P concentrations in subsurface draina water in the Western Lake Erie Basin watershed. Water quality data from multiple drainage outlet sites in northwest Oh provided evidence that the primary management factors affecting NO3-N and soluble P loss were the amount and time fertilizer application. Results strongly support following Tri-State fertilizer recommendations and 4R nutrient stewards! principles to reduce the risk of NO3-N and soluble P loss. Results also provided evidence of NO3-N and soluble P transpi to subsurface drains via different pathways. Due to differences in NO3-N and soluble P transport through the soil proj (via baseflow and preferential flow, respectively), management approaches taken to reduceone nutrient may exacerbc losses of the other. Further research is needed to address potential changes in field hydrology (and consequently the 1 field transport of soluble nutrients) from different types of agricultural best management practices (BMPs)and to evaluc optimal stacking of BMPs to achieve reductions in both NO3-N and soluble P loss. Controlled drainage has a high potenti for stacking with other BMPs because it is primarily a physical discharge and load reduction practice.