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Title: SALEM ROAD STUDY: RESTORATION OF DEGRADED LAND AND WATER QUALITY OF OVERLAND FLOW

Author
item Franklin, Dorcas
item Stuedemann, John
item Franzluebbers, Alan
item CABRERA, M. - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item Steiner, Jean
item RISSE, M. - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Submitted to: Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/22/2002
Publication Date: 4/22/2002
Citation: Franklin, D.H., Stuedemann, J.A., Franzluebbers, A.J., Cabrera, M.L., Steiner, J.L., Risse, M.L. 2002. Salem road study: Restoration of degraded land and water quality of overland flow. Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Identifying agricultural land management systems that are productive and protect water quality is important for the sustenance of the community as a whole. Historical loss of top soil in overland flow has degraded the soil base in the Southern Piedmont. Grassland restoration through grazed systems may be a productive means with which to sustain small family farms, green space and improve water quality. However, nutrient losses in overland flow from grazed land may reduce productivity and abase aquatic systems. This work has been carried out to evaluate nutrient losses in runoff from pastures with variable fertilizer management strategies. Twenty small in-field runoff collectors were installed at six Salem Road Study paddocks fertilized with either mineral fertilizer or broiler litter from May, 1998 to February, 2001 (ten runoff events). Runoff samples were collected after each event and analyzed for concentrations of dissolved reactive phosphorus and nitrate. Pastures fertilized with broiler litter and mineral fertilizer had runoff losses of DRP ranging from 0.5 to 6.0 mg P/L and were not found to be different. These fertilization strategies did not significantly impact nutrient losses in overland flow and further research is needed to better understand land application of manure.