Comparison of phosphorus sorption characteristics in the soils of riparian buffer strips with different land use patterns and distances from the shoreline around Lake Chaohu

Abstract

Purpose

The construction of riparian buffer strips has become increasingly important due to the effective phosphorus (P) retention of the strips, thus preventing eutrophication in freshwater ecosystems. The key mechanism is P sorption in soils. To provide some suggestions for increasing the sorption ability of P, the relationships between P sorption behavior and both land use patterns and distance from the shoreline were determined.

Materials and methods

In April, July, and October 2013, field investigations were carried out along the shoreline of Lake Chaohu. Eleven sections, including 36 sampling sites at different distances from the shoreline, were chosen, and these sections contained different types of riparian buffer strips, such as grassland, farmland, forest, wetland, and forest/grassland. The P species, sorption parameters, and dominant vegetation species were analyzed.

Results and discussion

The total P (TP) and P sorption maximum (Q_max) showed no recognizable seasonal variation and were closely correlated with the distance from the shoreline. The further the distance from the shoreline, the higher the TP and Q_max values, suggesting that soil traits could determine the P sorption extent. However, the Olsen-P content and equilibrium P concentration (EPC₀) fluctuated greatly, with the peak occurring in spring and the minimum occurring in summer in the majority of the sampling sites. In addition, positive relationships existed between the TP content and the Q_max value as well as the Olsen-P content and the EPC₀ value. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) further showed that the Olsen-P content and EPC₀ values were closely related to the dominant vegetation species, indicating that land use patterns played a decisive role in regulating the P sorption strength and the level of available P.

Conclusions

To effectively adsorb P (increase Q_max) and prevent P leaching (reduce the EPC₀), we recommend changing the land use patterns (more constructed wetlands and forests with grass) in riparian buffers.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Tykmkh