Phosphorus transfer in surface runoff from intensive pasture systems at various scales: a review

• Published in: Journal of environmental quality Vol. 33; no. 6; pp. 1973 - 1988
• Main Authors: Dougherty, W.J, Fleming, N.K, Cox, J.W, Chittleborough, D.J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madison, WI Crop Science Society of America 01.11.2004; American Society of Agronomy
• Subjects: agricultural runoff; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hydrology; literature reviews; losses from soil; mathematical models; Models, Theoretical; Organic phosphorus; Pasture; Pastures; Phosphorus; Phosphorus - analysis; Plants, Edible; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Polymethyl Methacrylate; rain; Runoff; simulation models; soil chemical properties; soil physical properties; soil transport processes; Surface runoff; surface water; topography; Water Movements; Water Pollutants - analysis; Water Pollution - prevention & control; Laboratory study; Landscape; Scale effect; Phosphorus; Identification; Review; Runoff water; Conceptual analysis; Modeling; Transport process; Hydrology; Pasture; Watershed
• ISSN: 0047-2425; 1537-2537
• DOI: 10.2134/jeq2004.1973

Phosphorus transfer in runoff from intensive pasture systems has been extensively researched at a range of scales. However, integration of data from the range of scales has been limited. This paper presents a conceptual model of P transfer that incorporates landscape effects and reviews the research relating to P transfer at a range of scales in light of this model. The contribution of inorganic P sources to P transfer is relatively well understood, but the contribution of organic P to P transfer is still relatively poorly defined. Phosphorus transfer has been studied at laboratory, profile, plot, field, and watershed scales. The majority of research investigating the processes of P transfer (as distinct from merely quantifying P transfer) has been undertaken at the plot scale. However, there is a growing need to integrate data gathered at a range of scales so that more effective strategies to reduce P transfer can be identified. This has been hindered by the lack of a clear conceptual framework to describe differences in the processes of P transfer at the various scales. The interaction of hydrological (transport) factors with P source factors, and their relationship to scale, require further examination. Runoff-generating areas are highly variable, both temporally and spatially. Improvement in the understanding and identification of these areas will contribute to increased effectiveness of strategies aimed at reducing P transfers in runoff. A thorough consideration of scale effects using the conceptual model of P transfer outlined in this paper will facilitate the development of improved strategies for reducing P losses in runoff.