Influence of mowing and narrow grass buffer widths on reductions in sediment, nutrients, and bacteria in surface runoff

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Miller ◽  
T. Curtis ◽  
D. S. Chanasyk ◽  
S. Reedyk
Keyword(s):  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Total N ◽  
Sediment Nutrients ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
Grass Buffer ◽  
Buffer Width ◽  
Total P

Miller, J. J., Curtis, T., Chanasyk, D. S. and Reedyk, S. 2015. Influence of mowing and narrow grass buffer widths on reductions in sediment, nutrients, and bacteria in surface runoff. Can. J. Soil Sci. 95: 139–151. Little research has been conducted on the effect of mowing and buffer width on the effectiveness of short-width (< 10 m) native grass buffers to filter sediment, nutrients, and bacteria. A 2-yr (2011–2012) field study was conducted on native rangeland in southern Alberta. The treatments of mowing and buffer width (1.5, 3, 6 m) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The buffer plots were pre-wet with distilled water. A spiked solution was then applied to each plot using a run-on distribution device and the runoff collected every 10 min for 30 min once the runoff started discharging from the plot. The volume of runoff, and percent reduction in concentration and mass of sediment [total dissolved solids (TSS)], phosphorus [dissolved reactive P (DRP), total P], nitrogen (total N), and bacteria (Escherichia coli, total coliforms) in runoff were determined. The findings did not support our hypothesis that percent reductions in concentrations and mass for sediment, nutrients, and bacteria were greater for mowed than unmowed buffers. In contrast, the findings supported our hypothesis that increasing buffer width would significantly (P≤0.05) decrease mass (but not concentration) of sediment, nutrients, and bacteria in runoff. The significant mass reduction was attributed to a reduced runoff ratio caused by longer residence time and greater infiltration in the wider buffers. Mass reductions for the three buffer widths ranged from 29 to 92% for TSS, 22 to 93% for DRP, 38 to 93% for total P, 23 to 92% for total N, and between 61 and 94% for E. coli and total coliforms. These findings suggest that buffer width but not mowing may reduce runoff quantity and improve runoff quality over the short term.

scholarly journals Reduced tillage: Influence on erosion and nutrient losses in a clayey field in southern

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. KOSKIAHO ◽  
S. KIVISAARI ◽  
S. VERMEULEN
Keyword(s):  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Reduced Tillage ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
N Loss ◽  
Drainage Flow ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Water Quality Data ◽  
Total N ◽  
Total P

Reduced tillage was compared with traditional ploughing in terms of erosion and phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) losses in an experimental field in southern Finland. One part of the field has been ploughed (treatment PF) and the other part harrowed (treatment NPF) every autumn since 1986. Flow volume and water quality data was collected separately from surface runoff and subsurface drainage waters during 1991-1995 (surface runoff volume since 1993). Erosion was higher in PF (on average 234 kg ha-1yr-1 in drainage flow and 479 kg ha-1 yr-1 in surface runoff) than in NPF (158 kg ha-1yr-1 in drainage flow and 160 kg ha-1yr-1 in surface runoff). Total N loss in drainage flow was also higher in PF (7.2 kg ha-1yr-1) than in NPF (4.6 kg ha-1yr-1). Total P losses did not differ much

scholarly journals Review of Filter Strip Performance and Function for Improving Water Quality from Agricultural Lands

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 659-674
Author(s):  
Kyle R. Douglas-Mankin ◽  
Matthew J. Helmers ◽  
R. Daren Harmel
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Total N ◽  
Sediment Nutrients ◽  
Filter Strip ◽  
Agricultural Conservation ◽  
Total P

HighlightsFilter strip processes for water pollutant reductions were quantified from 74 studies with almost 300 data points.Regression was significant versus width (sediment, N, P), area ratio (sediment, atrazine), and Ks (N, P, atrazine, alachlor).This review discusses ten functional factors affecting FS efficiency as well as FS monitoring recommendations.Cost-effectiveness was assessed and varies considerably by influent load and treatment effectiveness.Abstract. Filter strips (FSs) are edge-of-field conservation practices commonly implemented to reduce flux of sediment, nutrients, and other constituents from agricultural fields. While various aspects of FS effectiveness have been reviewed, this study provides a comprehensive summary of FS efficiency data for sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and pathogens as part of a special collection focused on agricultural conservation practices. This analysis also fills an important gap by assessing performance-based FS costs and cost-effectiveness. Data from 74 U.S. and international studies with 294 different treatments and 3,050 replications were compiled and analyzed. Results showed that runoff reduction tended to increase with increasing FS width up to about 15 m and that sediment reduction was significantly related to the ratio of FS area to drainage area and to FS width, with reduction tending to increase with increasing width up to about 20 m. Total P reduction was significantly related to FS soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, and total N reduction was significantly related to both saturated hydraulic conductivity and width. Total P and total N reductions both tended to increase with increasing FS width up to about 20 m and with increasing FS slope up to about 10%. Annualized FS costs were estimated to range from $314 to $865 ha-1 year-1 for different FS implementations. A major component of the cost is the opportunity cost of taking land out of production. Costs per unit of sediment retained by FS systems ranged from $10.3 to $18.6 Mg-1. A comprehensive assessment of FS cost-effectiveness (cost:benefit) is needed. Monitoring equipment, approaches, and recommendations are discussed, acknowledging the challenges of implementing field-scale FS studies. This information is critical to guide on-farm and programmatic FS decisions and to increase the scientific understanding of this commonly used agricultural conservation practice. Keywords: Best management practice, Buffer strip, Nonpoint-source pollution, Riparian buffer, Vegetated filter strip.

Evaluation of selected soil properties for indicating cattle activity at off-stream watering and river access sites in southern Alberta

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Miller ◽  
T. W. Curtis ◽  
E. Bremer ◽  
D. S. Chanasyk ◽  
W. D. Willms
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Calcareous Soils ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Nutrient Distribution ◽  
Total N ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
Soil Test P ◽  
Total P

Miller, J. J., Curtis, T. W., Bremer, E., Chanasyk, D. S. and Willms, W. D. 2013. Evaluation of selected soil properties for indicating cattle activity at off-stream watering and river access sites in southern Alberta. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 343–358. Off-stream watering troughs may reduce surface water pollution by shifting nutrient distribution from natural watering sites along the river to around artificial water troughs some distance from the river. The objective of our study was to evaluate the suitability of nine soil properties for assessing the impacts of cattle activity adjacent to eight watering sites. Nine surface (0–5 cm) soil properties were evaluated along four 100-m transects at the five off-stream water troughs and three river access sites along the Lower Little Bow River in southern Alberta over 4 yr (2007–2010). The properties included P (total P, soil test P or STP), N (total N, NO3-N, NH4-N), total C, total C:total N ratio (TC:TN), chloride (Cl), and soil bulk density. Soil test P was significantly (P≤0.05) enriched at 65% of site-year comparisons, followed by total C (63%), NO3-N (55%), total P and TC:TN (50%). This suggested that these soil properties were relatively good indicators of cattle activity at the majority (>50%) of watering sites. Chloride was a valid indicator only in non-saline areas (100% of four non-saline sites). Total C and TC:TN ratios were not valid indicators in the calcareous soils at all sites because of possible confounding influence of inorganic C. Overall, we recommend Cl as an indicator of cattle activity at watering sites not affected by soil salinity and high natural Cl levels, and STP as the best overall indicator of cattle activity at off-stream watering sites and river access sites. Certain soil properties were also influenced by distance from watering site, stocking rate, precipitation, and age of water trough.

Fate of Biological and Chemical Contaminants from On-Site Disposal of Liquid Piggery Wastes: Results from a Soil Column Study

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Lam ◽  
S. L. Ng ◽  
R. J. Neller
Keyword(s):  
Soil Column ◽  
Pig Slurry ◽  
Volcanic Soils ◽  
Inorganic Contaminants ◽  
Total N ◽  
Chemical Contaminants ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Total P

To assess the feasibility of the soakaway system in treating piggery wastes, eight columns of 3 m length were packed with five commonly occurring soils from Hong Kong and were dosed with pig slurry daily for a period of four months. Infiltration rates of the columns were monitored daily while slurry and soil solution were sampled weekly or fortnightly and analyzed for the major bacterial, organic and inorganic contaminants. Purification efficiency was higher in the volcanic soils than in the coarser granitic soils. Most of the contaminants were removed in the top 1 m unsaturated zone of the columns. Analysis of the effluent collected at the end of the 3 m columns packed with granitic and volcanic alluvial soils indicated purification efficiencies of 100% for E. coli and more than 95% for BOD5, total-P, total-N, PO4, NH4-N and NO3-N. The purification efficiencies of footslope deposits and in-situ weathered materials were significantly lower.

Response of corn (Zea mays L.) to various organic-based fertilizers in marginal upland of Sta. Rita, Samar

2017 ◽  
pp. 31-43
Author(s):  
Berta Ratilla ◽  
Loreme Cagande ◽  
Othello Capuno
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Physical And Chemical Properties ◽  
Total N ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

Organic farming is one of the management strategies that improve productivity of marginal uplands. The study aimed to: (1) evaluate effects of various organic-based fertilizers on the growth and yield of corn; (2) determine the appropriate combination for optimum yield; and (3) assess changes on the soil physical and chemical properties. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, with 3 replications and 7 treatments, namely; T0=(0-0-0); T1=1t ha-1 Evans + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T2=t ha-1 Wellgrow + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T3=15t ha-1 chicken dung; T4=10t ha-1 chicken dung + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T5=15t ha-1 Vermicast; and T6=10t ha-1 Vermicast + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1. Application of organic-based fertilizers with or without inorganic fertilizers promoted growth of corn than the control. But due to high infestation of corn silk beetle(Monolepta bifasciata Horns), its grain yield was greatly affected. In the second cropping, except for Evans, any of these fertilizers applied alone or combined with 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 appeared appropriate in increasing corn earyield. Soil physical and chemical properties changed with addition of organic fertilizers. While bulk density decreased irrespective of treatments, pH, total N, available P and exchangeable K generally increased more with chicken dung application.

LAND USE TYPES AND SOIL CHARACTERISTICTS: A CASE STUDY IN HUONG VINH COMMUNE, HUONG TRA TOWN, THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE

2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (4B) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trần Thanh Đức
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Sweet Potato ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Low Ph ◽  
Clay Loam ◽  
Total N ◽  
Land Use Types ◽  
Total P

This research carried out in Huong Vinh commune, Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province aimed to identify types of land use and soil characteristics. Results showed that five crops are found in Huong Vinh commune including rice, peanut, sweet potato, cassava and vegetable. There are two major soil orders with four soil suborders classified by FAO in Huong Vinh commune including Fluvisols (Dystric Fluvisols<em>, </em>Gleyic Fluvisols and Cambic Fluvisols) and Arenosols (Haplic Arenosols). The results from soil analysis showed that three soil suborders including Dystric Fluvisols<em>, </em>Gleyic Fluvisols and Cambic Fluvisols belonging to Fluvisols were clay loam in texture, low pH, low in OC, total N, total P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> and total K<sub>2</sub>O. Meanwhile, the Haplic Arenosols was loamy sand in texture, poor capacity to hold OC, total N, total P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> and total K<sub>2</sub>O

scholarly journals Biochar and urease inhibitor mitigate NH3 and N2O emissions and improve wheat yield in a urea fertilized alkaline soil

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadim Dawar ◽  
Shah Fahad ◽  
M. M. R. Jahangir ◽  
Iqbal Munir ◽  
Syed Sartaj Alam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Block Design ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Urease Inhibitor ◽  
Alkaline Soil ◽  
Total N ◽  
N Assimilation

AbstractIn this study, we explored the role of biochar (BC) and/or urease inhibitor (UI) in mitigating ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) discharge from urea fertilized wheat cultivated fields in Pakistan (34.01°N, 71.71°E). The experiment included five treatments [control, urea (150 kg N ha−1), BC (10 Mg ha−1), urea + BC and urea + BC + UI (1 L ton−1)], which were all repeated four times and were carried out in a randomized complete block design. Urea supplementation along with BC and BC + UI reduced soil NH3 emissions by 27% and 69%, respectively, compared to sole urea application. Nitrous oxide emissions from urea fertilized plots were also reduced by 24% and 53% applying BC and BC + UI, respectively, compared to urea alone. Application of BC with urea improved the grain yield, shoot biomass, and total N uptake of wheat by 13%, 24%, and 12%, respectively, compared to urea alone. Moreover, UI further promoted biomass and grain yield, and N assimilation in wheat by 38%, 22% and 27%, respectively, over sole urea application. In conclusion, application of BC and/or UI can mitigate NH3 and N2O emissions from urea fertilized soil, improve N use efficiency (NUE) and overall crop productivity.

Bacteriophages reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 levels in experimentally inoculated sheep

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
S J Bach ◽  
R P Johnson ◽  
K. Stanford ◽  
T A McAllister
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Oral Administration ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Fecal Shedding ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Oral Inoculation ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
And Control

Bacteriophage biocontrol has potential as a means of mitigating the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ruminants. The efficacy of oral administration of bacteriophages for reducing fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 by sheep was evaluated using 20 Canadian Arcott rams (50.0 ± 3.0) housed in four rooms (n = 5) in a contained facility. The rams had ad libitum access to drinking water and a pelleted barley-based total mixed ration, delivered once daily. Experimental treatments consisted of administration of E. coli O157:H7 (O157), E. coli O157:H7+bacteriophages (O157+phage), bacteriophages (phage), and control (CON). Oral inoculation of the rams with 109 CFU of a mixture of four nalidixic acid-resistant strains of E. coli O157:H7 was performed on day 0. A mixture of 1010 PFU of bacteriophages P5, P8 and P11 was administered on days -2, -1, 0, 6 and 7. Fecal samples collected on 14 occasions over 21 d were analyzed for E. coli O157:H7, total E. coli, total coliforms and bacteriophages. Sheep in treatment O157+phage shed fewer (P < 0.05) E. coli O157:H7 than did sheep in treatment O157. Populations of total coliforms and total E. coli were similar (P < 0.05) among treatments, implying that bacteriophage lysis of non-target E. coli and coliform bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract did not occur. Bacteriophage numbers declined rapidly over 21 d, which likely reduced the chance of collision between bacteria and bacteriophage. Oral administration of bacteriophages reduced shedding of E. coli O157:H7 by sheep, but a delivery system that would protect bacteriophages during passage through the intestine may increase the effectiveness of this strategy as well as allow phage to be administered in the feed.Key words: Escherichia coli O157:H7, bacteriophage, sheep, environment, coliforms

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