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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #217433
Title: Development of a Lysimeter System to Simultaneously Study Runoff and Leaching Dynamics

Author
item Feyereisen, Gary
item Folmar, Gordon

Submitted to: Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE)
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/21/2008
Publication Date: 7/1/2008
Citation: Feyereisen, G.W., Folmar, G.J. 2008. Development of a Lysimeter System to Simultaneously Study Runoff and Leaching Dynamics. Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International Meeting. Providence, RI. Paper No. 084073.

Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: Better control of non-point source nutrient losses from soil spread with manure under winter conditions requires understanding of associated environmental processes. This study was conducted to develop a laboratory system for analysis of hydrology and nutrient dynamics associated with manure application under winter conditions. The research objective was to identify a soil lysimeter size, a method of soil capture, and materials of construction to study both surface and subsurface processes under freezing conditions. A steel lysimeter 60 cm wide and long by 75 cm deep was driven into the ground with a 1-1/2 ton drop hammer, excavated, and under girded with a 1.27 cm thick PVC plate to capture a block of soil. PVC plates, temporarily situated between the steel lysimeter walls and the sample soil block, were removed after the lysimeter was excavated and bottomed. Petroleum jelly was poured around the gap between the lysimeter walls and soil surface in order to prevent potential chemical interaction of the soil solution with the steel lysimeter walls. The sides of the lysimeter were insulated and the bottom of the lysimeter assembly was maintained at a constant temperature with a heat tape while the lysimeters were thermal cycled in a freezer unit. Manure was added to the surface of lysimeters under, and on top of snow. Runoff and leaching were induced by artificial rainfall simulation. The lysimeter assembly, manure application, and thermal cycling regime realistically simulated winter processes. The experimental method provides researchers the opportunity to study both surface and subsurface processes in one assemblage.