A model for phosphorus transformation and runoff loss for surface-applied manures.
Agricultural P transport in runoff is an environmental concern. An important source of P runoff is surface-applied, unincorporated manures, but computer models used to assess P transport do not adequately simulate P release and transport from surface manures. We developed a model to address this limitation. The model operates on a daily basis and simulates manure application to the soil surface, letting 60% of manure P infiltrate into soil if manure slurry with less than 15% solids is applied. The model divides manure P into four pools, water-extractable inorganic and organic P, and stable inorganic and organic P. The model simulates manure dry matter decomposition, and manure stable P transformation to water-extractable P. Manure dry matter and P are assimilated into soil to simulate bioturbation. Water-extractable P is leached from manure when it rains, and a portion of leached P can be transferred to surface runoff. Eighty percent of manure P leached into soil by rain remains in the top 2 cm, while 20% leaches deeper. This 2-cm soil layer contributes P to runoff via desorption. We used data from field studies in Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arkansas to build and validate the model. Validation results show the model accurately predicted cumulative P loads in runoff, reflecting successful simulation of the dynamics of manure dry matter, manure and soil P pools, and storm-event runoff P concentrations. Predicted runoff P concentrations were significantly related to (r2=0.57) but slightly less than measured concentrations. Our model thus represents an important modification for field or watershed scale models that assess P loss from manured soils.
Vadas
P A
PA
USDA-ARS, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, 1925 Linden Drive West, Madison, WI 53706, USA. vadas@wisc.edu
Gburek
W J
WJ
Sharpley
A N
AN
Kleinman
P J A
PJ
Moore
P A
PA
Cabrera
M L
ML
Harmel
R D
RD
D000534:Alum Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D008372:Manure; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000737:chemistry*; D011200:Poultry; D011891:Rain
D000534:Alum Compounds; D008372:Manure; D010758:Phosphorus; C041524:aluminum sulfate