Phosphorus in agricultural ditch soil and potential implications for water quality

• Published in: Journal of soil and water conservation Vol. 62; no. 4; pp. 244 - 252
• Main Authors: Dunne, E.J, McKee, K.A, Clark, M.W, Grunwald, S, Reddy, K.R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ankeny Soil and Water Conservation Society 01.07.2007; Soil & Water Conservation Society
• Subjects: agricultural watersheds; Basins; Best management practices; Chemical properties; dairy farming; Ditches; Drainage; drainage channels; Environmental conditions; Field study; Irrigation water; Landscaping; losses from soil; Pastures; phosphorus; Phosphorus content; soil chemical properties; Soil phosphorus; Soils; Surface water; upland soils; Water pollution; water quality; wetland soils; Florida; United States; USA, Florida, Okeechobee L; USA, Florida
• ISSN: 0022-4561; 1941-3300

Drainage ditches can transport water and nutrients within agricultural watersheds. Thus, it is important to consider ditch soil phosphorus (P) characteristics, as these can impact water quality. Objectives of this study were to determine (1) P characteristics of agricultural ditch soils in the Lake Okeechobee Basin, Florida; (2) what controls soil P; (3) relationships between different ditch soil P fractions; and (4) compare ditch soil characteristics with upland and wetland soil characteristics. Ditch soils had medium to low total P content (<600 mg kg −1 [<600 ppm]) with organic matter and soil metal content important for predicting soil total P. Degree P Saturation of soils suggests dairy and improved pasture soils could impact water quality. In general, ditch soil characteristics were more similar to upland soils rather than wetland soils. In-ditch management practices, such as the use of soil amendments and/or controlled drainage, could be useful to reduce P loss from ditch soils.