BAW – IKT – Riparian buffer project

New publications on soil erosion and P retenion

We recently published a new paper on phosphorus (P) retention in vegetated filter strips (VFS). The study comprised of an extensive sampling array that allowed a three-dimensional view of physical and chemical soil parameters, especially different P fractions.

The extent of a VFS is crucial for a functioning sediment and nutrient retention. Nevertheless, traits such as vegetation type and structure, as well as external factors such as field topography or the severity of erosive events are equally important and should be more strongly considered in VFS designs. A priori measurements and modelling of soil P status and location of flow convergences before implementation would further contribute to ensure effective VFS designs.

If buffer strips are able to retain sediment and nutrients from agricultural runoff depends on a multitude of factors, calling for more flexible and sophisticated designs.

Especially problematic is a concentrated runoff from the field, which can severely diminish the retention effectivity of a VFS. These are, however, often not or only insufficiently considered in VFS designs.

Furthermore, we published a Technical Note about the possibility to combine undisturbed soil monoliths to larger soil blocks for runoff experiments. This method was used for our indoor runoff experiments.

Combining two (or more) individual soil monoliths creates the opportunity to run experiments on larger soil units without complicating the already laborious sampling process.

Both publications can be downloaded free of charge.

Ramler D, Inselsbacher E & Strauss P (2023): A three-dimensional perspective of phosphorus retention across a field-buffer strip transition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935123012380

Ramler D & Strauss P (2023): Technical Note: Combining undisturbed soil monoliths for hydrological indoor experiments. https://hess.copernicus.org/articles/27/1745/2023/

Next phase in RIBUST WP 2: runoff experiments

Working package 2 consists of two columns: soil core sampling of vegetated filter strips (VFS) and an experimental approach. For the latter, we conducted artificial runoff experiments using grassland plots (2 x 5 m) that were subjected to artificial runoff. The water was applied through an overflow tank and was spiked with bromide, to be able to distinguish it from autochthonous water in the soil, as well as phosphate, to mimic nutrient enriched agricultural runoff. Our main interest was on how concentrated runoff (i.e., due to flow convergence in the field or at the field edge) affects flow characteristics and VFS performance. To this end, we used three different widths of the overflow tank and analysed total water budget and flow velocities, as well as bromide and phosphate concentrations at the end of the plots.

With this straight-forward, yet elaborate setup we can analyse several runoff characteristics that have an effect on buffer performance, for instance if the soil is able to take up phosphorus (P) or if P is being released. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

The outdoor experiments are completed, currently the data is processed and analysed. We expect that flow concentrations have a significant effect on runoff characteristics, e.g., less infiltration and, in turn, a higher amount of runoff water, accompanied by higher flow velocities and less time for soil/water interaction processes. All these aspects would have direct consequences for VFS performance. However, flow concentration is rarely accounted for in VFS design guidelines and recommendations.

Runoff water was applied to the plots using overflow tanks of different width. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

Also drones were used in a preliminary experiment to check if thermal imaging can be used to depict flow path development. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

Keeping Up with Phosphorus Dynamics: Perspective article published

Together with colleagues from the UK, we published an article in Frontiers in Environmental Science in which we make a case for a more holistic approach in vegetated filter strip (VFS) research, design, policy, and implementation.

The paper can be downloaded for free at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.764333/full

Schematic overview of key pathways, processes, and cycling of phosphorus in VFS.

Focussing on phosphorus (P), we describe the downfalls of current approaches and ways for improvement. In a VFS, the amount of incoming P must not exceed the amount of P that the soil can retain and the amount of P that can be removed, e.g., by harvesting the vegetation. This requires comprehensive VFS designs in accordance to actual runoff and erosion patterns and a more flexible positioning in line with local conditions. Designs and evaluations of VFS that match the complexity of the processes involved are crucial for the effective and long-term protection of surface waters.

We hope that this article stimulates a much needed discussion on the potential and limits of state-of-the-art VFS.

Soil core sampling completed

In addition to the two sites that were sampled last year, we took further soil core samples at six sites across Western Lower Austria. For the additional sites we used an adapted sampling array, focussing on samples from within the area of concentrated runoff (and erosion) and outside. A convergence of the flow, e.g. due to topography (thalweg), tillage, or other factors, is rather the norm than the exception, causing a concentration of runoff and erosion—coupled with nutrients and other pollutants. With the data from the soil cores, we aim at a better understanding of nutrient retention processes in real-life buffer strip soils and, eventually, improved planning and design recommendations for buffers that are truly effective in protecting surface water from agricultural inputs.

Samples were taken along transects from the field to the buffer strip following the hill slope. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

Factors like topography or tillage often cause a concentration of runoff water. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

Samples were taken to a depth of 50 cm. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

Combing undisturbed soil monoliths – a preliminary trial for runoff experiments

Artificial runoff experiments are a part of working package 2, in which we seek to analyse the response of buffer strip soils to different runoff scenarios. To improve the meaningfulness of the data, we plan to combine undisturbed soil monoliths to larger soil plots, taking advantage of both the flexibility of indoor experiments and the realism of undisturbed soils. To our knowledge, this has not been done before. Therefore, we started a preliminary trial to ascertain that combining blocks of soil does not interfere with the runoff characteristics.

Taking undisturbed soil monoliths is a strenuous task. All monoliths were taken back-to-back from the same spot. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

To this end, we took six undisturbed soil monoliths from a buffer strip. Half of them were cut in the middle and then recombined. The monoliths were then used for a runoff experiment, during which the blocks received a constant flow from a tank, with water spiked with phosphorus (P) and salt tracers. Most water left the monoliths as surface runoff, but substantial amounts were also recorded as drainage water (passing through the soil body, probably due to the natural macropore network) and bypass water (e.g. water that leaves the monolith at its sides). Interestingly, we noticed an enrichment of the surface runoff with P, which means that the buffer soil acted as a P source at it surface, rather than a sink.

Three out of six monoliths were cut in half and recombined. Prior to the experiment, all monoliths were saturated with water to have similar soil moisture conditions. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

We found no significant differences between cut and uncut monoliths. In fact, it was apparent that the inherent variability between the monoliths (due to the inevitable spatial heterogeneity of the soil) was much larger than any effect that the cutting could have had. We conclude that a careful combination of soil monoliths is a valid procedure and plan to further pursue this approach for the main runoff experiment starting next year.

Experimental set-up. Water was collected from different soil compartments (surface runoff, interflow, drainage, and bypass water) using a custom-built steel-frame. An overflow tank provided a constant flow of runoff water. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

First results from field and buffer soil cores

The results from the soil cores of the first sampling site are back from the laboratories and show some interesting trends and gradients along all three dimensions. Final results will be available next year, after the sampling and analysis is complete, however, preliminary results suggest that P levels are substantially lower in buffer strips throughout all P pools. Especially, deeper layers appear to not only have a higher capacity for P uptake (sorption) but also a lesser degree of P saturation, highlighting the potential of these sub-surface areas for P retention and the importance of infiltration and, thus, the often-neglected vertical dimension.

Soil cores were taken from field and buffer strip soils. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

Soil samples were divided into depth classes and analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters in the lab. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler

Soil core sampling started

In November, we started with the soil sampling for work package 2. For the first two sites, we have chosen an intensive sampling scheme, using soil cores along transects from the field to the buffer strip, as well as inside and outside of the area of concentrated runoff. Together with samples from different depth classes from the soil cores, we get a 3D representation of the field and buffer strip. This labour-intensive approach is rarely seen in buffer strip research, although it provides high quality data and ample opportunities for in-depth analyses. The samples will then be analysed for various physical and chemical parameters, with a focus on phosphorus (e.g. different P pools, degree of P saturation, P sorption index). Further sites will get sampled next year.