Phosphorus loss and speciation in overland flow from a plantation horticulture catchment and in an adjoining waterway in coastal Queensland, Australia
Peter R. Stork A C and David J. Lyons BA Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, 49 Ashfield Road, Bundaberg, Qld 4070, Australia. Present address: 25 Bernhard Street, Katherine, NT 0850, Australia.
B Department of Environment and Resource Management, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: peter.russell.stork@gmail.com
Soil Research 50(6) 515-525 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR12042
Submitted: 27 February 2012 Accepted: 13 August 2012 Published: 18 September 2012
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) in overland flow from horticulture farms in coastal Queensland, Australia, could eutrophy coastal freshwater and marine habitats environments nearby. The potential for such eutrophication was investigated in a coastal macadamia plantation under commercial production. During the 13-month study, P losses in overland flow were quantified in a 0.24-ha farm catchment with a 3.1% gradient, during five consecutive storm events. These events were within expected short- and long-term episodic rainfall frequencies and intensities. Runoff occurred when such storms generated between 20–40 mm/h of rainfall for >9 min. Calculated annual losses of total P were 0.32 kg/ha.year, comprising dissolved inorganic P (DIP, 0.28 kg/ha.year), particulate P (0.03 kg/ha.year), and dissolved organic P (0.01 kg/ha.year). DIP represented 88% of all losses and this was attributed to excessive fertilisation and untimely applications. Losses of total P were generally higher than those reported in comparable studies.
Concentrations of DIP in runoff were 20–200-fold higher than those found in other coastal catchments in Queensland. High concentrations of DIP were present in the topsoil of the non-fertilised, inter-row areas of the farm catchment and this was attributed to transfer and deposition of DIP from adjacent fertilised tree beds during storm flow. Therefore, it can be expected that farm runoff will be enriched with DIP from these areas for an indeterminate period despite any future remediation to fertiliser management. The weighted average of DIP in farm runoff was 2.01 mg/L, whereas it was 0.005 mg/L in a catchment stream bordering the farm, showing a steep concentration gradient between the two ecosystem compartments. Together with nitrogen (N) losses in runoff, reported previously, an N : P molar ratio of 2 : 1 was contained in the farm runoff. This was well below the growth-limiting threshold for aquatic organisms, as determined by the Redfield ratio of 16 : 1 (N : P). The entry of nutrient-enriched farm runoff, as detailed in this study, into the catchment stream and the proximity of such waterways (8 km) to the coastline may also have implications for the near-shore (oligotrophic) marine environment during periods of storm flow. Altogether, this work revealed the high risk of eutrophication from farming landscapes such as the one under study.
Additional keywords: eutrophication, macadamia, runoff, ortho-phosphate.
References
Alexander RB, Smith RA, Schwarz GE (2008) Differences in phosphorus and nitrogen delivery to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River basin. Environmental Science & Technology 42, 822–830.| Differences in phosphorus and nitrogen delivery to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhsVOnt7rI&md5=e952ff8fa90c17384fc6e364cf27cf33CAS |
Anon. (2004) Kandosols. In ‘Australian Soils and Landscapes: an illustrated compendium’. pp. 296–313. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne)
Anon. (2007) ‘Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, Action D8 Discussion Paper: Nutrient Management Zones.’ pp. 17–19. (Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries: Brisbane, Qld)
Anon. (2009) ‘Queensland Water Quality Guidelines Version 3.’ (Department of Environment and Resource Management: Brisbane, Qld)
Boesch DF, Brinsfield RB, Magnien RE (2001) Chesapeake Bay eutrophication: Scientific understanding, ecosystem restoration and challenges for agriculture. Journal of Environmental Quality 30, 303–320.
| Chesapeake Bay eutrophication: Scientific understanding, ecosystem restoration and challenges for agriculture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXltVehtrg%3D&md5=686fea2423b046de44b831fa640526a4CAS |
Bremner JM, Mulvaney CS (1982) Nitrogen—total. In ‘Methods of soil analysis. Part 2. Chemical and microbiological properties’. 2nd edn. pp. 711–733. (American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI)
Carpenter SR, Caraco NF, Correll DL, Howarth RW, Sharpley AN, Smith VH (1998) Nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and nitrogen. Ecological Applications 8, 559–568.
| Nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and nitrogen.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Colwell JD (1965) An automated procedure for the determination of phosphorus in sodium hydrogen carbonate extracts of soils. Chemistry & Industry 22, 893–895.
Fabricius KE (2005) Effects of terrestrial runoff on the ecology of corals and coral reefs: review and synthesis. Marine Pollution Bulletin 50, 125–146.
| Effects of terrestrial runoff on the ecology of corals and coral reefs: review and synthesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXitVahsbk%3D&md5=14b720564ca889f40ededa5fc3ab9b1aCAS |
Fabricius K, De’ath G, McCook L, Turak E, Williams DM (2005) Changes in algal, coral and fish assemblages along water quality gradients on the inshore Great Barrier Reef. Marine Pollution Bulletin 51, 384–398.
| Changes in algal, coral and fish assemblages along water quality gradients on the inshore Great Barrier Reef.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXitF2gurg%3D&md5=919cd46b02730ad2fef21cda3c2918ddCAS |
Flaig EG, Reddy KR (1995) Fate of phosphorus in the Lake Okeechobee watershed, Florida, USA: overview and recommendations. Ecological Engineering 5, 127–142.
| Fate of phosphorus in the Lake Okeechobee watershed, Florida, USA: overview and recommendations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hart MR, Quin BF, Long Nguyen M (2004) Phosphorus runoff from agricultural land and direct fertilizer effects: A review. Journal of Environmental Quality 33, 1954–1972.
| Phosphorus runoff from agricultural land and direct fertilizer effects: A review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhtVegs7rJ&md5=ae1a543fa1dd576c56369d1788fbb98aCAS |
Hodgkin EP, Hamilton BH (1993) Fertilizers and eutrophication in southwestern Australia: Setting the scene. Fertilizer Research 36, 95–103.
| Fertilizers and eutrophication in southwestern Australia: Setting the scene.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
McColl RHS, White E, Gibson AR (1977) Phosphorus and nitrate run-off in hill pasture and forest catchments, Taita, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 11, 729–744.
| Phosphorus and nitrate run-off in hill pasture and forest catchments, Taita, New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE1MXivVOhuw%3D%3D&md5=ad66ef39632ef43196e6915c241ec9b9CAS |
McDowell RW, Sharpley AN (2003) Phosphorus solubility and release kinetics as a function of soil test P concentration. Geoderma 112, 143–154.
| Phosphorus solubility and release kinetics as a function of soil test P concentration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXkvFSjuw%3D%3D&md5=afa91d98535498952df0adfeb967d6beCAS |
McDowell RW, Littlejohn RP, Blennerhassett JD (2010) Phosphorus fertilizer form affects phosphorus loss to waterways: a paired catchment study. Soil Use and Management 26, 365–373.
| Phosphorus fertilizer form affects phosphorus loss to waterways: a paired catchment study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
McKergow LA, Prosser IP, Hughes AO, Brodie J (2005) Regional scale nutrient modelling: exports to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Marine Pollution Bulletin 51, 186–199.
| Regional scale nutrient modelling: exports to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXitF2gtLg%3D&md5=a4c35144034a35d97ebbb6ad5e30fb68CAS |
Milestone (1995) ‘MLS-1200 MEGA Microwave Digestion System with MDR Technology—Operation Manual.’ (Milestone: Sorisole (BG) Italy)
Mitchell C, Brodie J, White I (2005) Sediments, nutrients and pesticide residues in event flow conditions in stream of the Mackay Whitsunday Region, Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin 51, 23–36.
| Sediments, nutrients and pesticide residues in event flow conditions in stream of the Mackay Whitsunday Region, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXitF2gtb8%3D&md5=5549ea0f505d5a0a5f42a84444c78177CAS |
Moody PW, Bolland MDA (2001) ‘Soil phosphorus levels in fruits, vines and nuts.’ p. 215. In ‘Soil analysis—an interpretation manual’. (Eds Peverill, Sparrow and Reuter) (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne)
Murphy J, Riley JP (1962) A modified single solution method for the determination of phosphate in natural waters. Analytica Chimica Acta 27, 31–36.
| A modified single solution method for the determination of phosphate in natural waters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaF38XksVyntr8%3D&md5=868b4ec1effa8bf4df741c7beee2fd21CAS |
Ng Kee Kwong KF, Bholah A, Volcy L, Pynee K (2002) Nitrogen and phosphorus transport by surface runoff from a silty clay loam soil under sugarcane in the humid tropical environment of Mauritius. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 91, 147–157.
| Nitrogen and phosphorus transport by surface runoff from a silty clay loam soil under sugarcane in the humid tropical environment of Mauritius.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Puustinen M, Koskiaho J, Peltonen K (2005) Influence of cultivation methods on suspended solids and phosphorus concentrations in surface runoff on clayey sloped fields in boreal climate. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 105, 565–579.
| Influence of cultivation methods on suspended solids and phosphorus concentrations in surface runoff on clayey sloped fields in boreal climate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXhslehtrc%3D&md5=159fa085626894c49a8249fda021525aCAS |
Rayment GE, Bloesch PM (2006) Phosphorus fertility assessment of intensively farmed areas of catchments draining to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area: I. Soil phosphorus status. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 37, 2249–2264.
| Phosphorus fertility assessment of intensively farmed areas of catchments draining to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area: I. Soil phosphorus status.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XhtFels7fM&md5=62bf3a6d848b8ed4e7589744c3c79261CAS |
Rayment GE, Lyons DJ (2011) ‘Soil chemical method—Australia.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne)
Rohde K, Bush A (2011) Paddock to Sub-catchment Scale Water Quality Monitoring of Sugarcane Management Practices. Interim Report, 2009/10 Wet Season, Mackay Whitsunday Region. Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management, for Reef Catchments Mackay Whitsunday Inc., Australia.
Rohde K, Bush A, Agnew J (2011) Paddock to Sub-catchment Scale Water Quality Monitoring of Sugarcane Management Practices. Interim Report, 2010/11 Wet Season, Mackay Whitsunday Region. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Queensland Government, for Reef Catchments (Mackay Whitsunday Isaac) Limited, Australia.
SILO (2005) Enhanced meteorological data [Online]. Available at: www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo
Stephenson RA, Gallagher EC, Pepper PM (2002) Macadamia yield and quality responses to phosphorus. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 53, 1165–1172.
| Macadamia yield and quality responses to phosphorus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stork PR, Jerie PH (2003) Initial studies of the growth, nitrogen sequestering and de-watering potential of perennial grass selections for use as nitrogen catch crops in orchards. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 54, 27–37.
| Initial studies of the growth, nitrogen sequestering and de-watering potential of perennial grass selections for use as nitrogen catch crops in orchards.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stork PR, Jerie PH, Callinan APL (2003) Subsurface drip irrigation of semi permanent raised vegetable beds: I. Leaching of nitrogen and phosphate under current commercial practice. Australian Journal of Soil Research 41, 1283–1304.
| Subsurface drip irrigation of semi permanent raised vegetable beds: I. Leaching of nitrogen and phosphate under current commercial practice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXpsFentLo%3D&md5=687a0bc170ccf419836f55fd2560e6fbCAS |
Stork PR, Bennett FR, Bell MJ (2008) The environmental fate of diuron under a conventional production regime in a sugarcane farm during the plant cane phase. Pest Management Science 64, 954–963.
| The environmental fate of diuron under a conventional production regime in a sugarcane farm during the plant cane phase.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtVehs7fM&md5=b74e0eda1b6fb90308eed296fad04c61CAS |
Stork PR, Lyons DJ, Bell MJ (2009) Losses of nutrient nitrogen in surface runoff from a plantation horticulture farm in coastal Queensland. Australian Journal of Soil Research 47, 565–573.
| Losses of nutrient nitrogen in surface runoff from a plantation horticulture farm in coastal Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtFyqtrrO&md5=08fac20087345dae248d5897cbcc13bdCAS |
Verburg K, Bridge BJ, Bristow KL, Keating BA (2001) Measured soil properties. In ‘Properties of selected soils in the Gooburrum–Moore Park area of Bundaberg’. pp. 13–56. CSIRO Land & Water Technical Report 09/01, CSIRO, Canberra.
