Effects of agricultural practices and climate on nutrient transport through various water pathways
Sarah Rixon, University of Guelph, [email protected]
Jana Levison , University of Guelph, [email protected]
Elisha Persaud, University of Guelph, [email protected]
Andrew Binns, University of Guelph, [email protected]
Abstract
Hydrologic processes and water quality variations are complex in agriculturally dominant areas due to land use practices such as fertilizer application and irrigation methods. This research focuses on investigating groundwater-surface water interactions and seasonal water quality variations in an agricultural clay plain system within the Great Lakes Basin. The research site is in the Upper Parkhill watershed (jurisdiction of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority). Continuous and discrete samples of surface water and groundwater are being collected to understand spatial and temporal variations of nutrients (nitrate and inorganic phosphorus) and other field parameters including electrical conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, oxidation-reduction potential and a natural groundwater tracer (222-radon). From May to January 2017, concentrations of nitrate-N in groundwater ranged from non-detectable to 0.3 mg/L and in surface water from 0.1 to 20 mg/L. Concentrations of reactive phosphorus ranged from non-detectable to 0.069 mg/L in groundwater and non-detectable to 0.384 mg/L in surface water. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates fluctuations in surface water quality correspond with changes in stream flow and precipitation. A site conceptual model will be developed to illustrate nutrient transport through surface water and groundwater pathways to mitigate consequences on human and ecologic water resources in complex systems.
1. Keyword
phosphorus
2. Keyword
nutrients
3. Keyword
Great Lakes basin
4. Additional Keyword
groundwater-surface water interactions
5. Additional Keyword
nutrient transport
6. Additional Keyword
nitrogen