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 / RamlerFactors like topography or tillage often cause a concentration of runoff water. (C) BAW-IKT / RamlerSamples were taken to a depth of 50 cm. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler
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
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 / RamlerSoil samples were divided into depth classes and analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters in the lab. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler
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.
Grassed strips between fields and surface waters act as buffers and retain sediment and nutrients. (C) BAW-IKT / RamlerAgricultural areas can export substantial amounts of sediment – and nutrients – after heavy rainfall events. (C) BAW-IKT / Ramler
