Trend Analysis of Nutrient Concentrations and Loads in Surface Water in an Intensively Fertilized Watershed

Bouraoui, F; Turpin, N; Boerlen, P

HERO ID

4489898

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1999

HERO ID 4489898
In Press No
Year 1999
Title Trend Analysis of Nutrient Concentrations and Loads in Surface Water in an Intensively Fertilized Watershed
Authors Bouraoui, F; Turpin, N; Boerlen, P
Journal Journal of Environmental Quality
Volume 28
Issue 6
Page Numbers 1878-1885
Abstract At a watershed in an intensively farmed region of Brittany, France, nutrient concentrations and loads in surface water were examined over a 10-yr period. The annual nitrate and total phosphorus concentrations were compared with rainfall and land use to evaluate the major factors affecting the nutrient losses. The watershed was characterized by heavy fertilization. The mean nutrient concentration was determined as the sum of instantaneous fluxes of nutrients over the desired time period divided by the water flux over the same time period. Resulting data are presented to show the monthly and annual nitrate and total phosphorus concentrations. The results show no statistical evidence of a trend for the monthly mean NO sub(3) and total P loads. In terms of NO sub(3), the percent area of the watershed covered by corn had the largest absolute impact on the annual concentration, but rainfall also played a major role, as the drier years corresponded to the lowest annual NO sub(3) concentrations. Most of the excess P was stored in the soil profile.
Doi 10.2134/jeq1999.00472425002800060026x
Wosid WOS:000084288300026
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Journal: ISSN:1687-2054
Is Public Yes
Keyword FRANCE; WATERSHEDS; RAINFALL; AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF; NUTRIENTS; PHOSPHORUS; NITRATES; WATER ANALYSIS; AGRICULTURAL LAND; TEMPORAL COMPARISONS