Award details

Colloidal organic matter and phosphorus transfer in grassland hydrological pathways

Reference	D08080
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Stephen Jarvis
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Philip Matthew Haygarth, Professor Ann Louise Heathwaite
Institution	Inst of Grassland and Environmental Res
Department	Soil Environmental and Ecological Sci
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	193,316
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/11/1997
End date	01/11/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) transfer from agricultural soils is generally thought to be mainly in a dissolved inorganic form, often in surface runoff. However, in grassland soils Livestock excreta Organic Matter (LOM) provides a significant and direct P input which may be vulnerable to rapid subsurface transport to waters where eutrophication may occur. We aim to test the hypothesis that the dissolved (i.e. <0.45 mu m) P fraction is attached to fine colloidal material, which is preferentially transported through subsurface (macropore, tile drained) pathways. We will use new analytical procedures (33P, Flow system Field Flow Fractionation) at both field (1 ha sized grazed) and laboratory scale, under controlled conditions, to investigate these processes. Ultimately, we will develop a new conceptual model for soil-water transfer of P incorporating colloidal materials (ranging up to 50 mu m), which includes drained and subsurface pathways. The work will synthesise information to underpin more strategic MAFF research and ultimately contribute to improvements of Codes of Good Practice and development of better management strategies for the agricultural industry.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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