Stream Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loads Are Differentially Affected by Storm Events and the Difference May Be Exacerbated by Conservation Tillage

Environ Sci Technol. 2019 May 21;53(10):5613-5621. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05152. Epub 2019 Apr 30.

Abstract

Storm events disproportionately mobilize dissolved phosphorus (P) compared to nitrogen (N), contributing to reduction in load N:P. In agricultural watersheds, conservation tillage may lead to even further declines in load N:P due to dissolved P accumulation in the top soil layers. Due to an increase in this management activity, we were interested in the impacts of conservation tillage on N and P loads during storm events. Using a 20 year data set of nutrient loads to a hypereutrophic reservoir, we observed disproportionately increasing P loads relative to base flow during storm events, whereas N loads were proportional to discharge. We also observed a change in that relationship, i.e., even greater P load relative to base flow with more conservation tillage in the watershed. This suggests conservation tillage may contribute to significantly reduced N:P loads during storms with potential implications for the water quality of receiving water bodies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Nitrogen
  • Phosphorus*
  • Rivers*

Substances

  • Phosphorus
  • Nitrogen