Germany
Research Article
Modelling Phosphorus Losses from Tropical Agricultural Soils in Gilgel Gibe Watershed, Ethiopia
Author(s): Yalemsew Adela, Christian Behn, Manon Janssen and Bernd LennartzYalemsew Adela, Christian Behn, Manon Janssen and Bernd Lennartz
Phosphorus (P) is a vital nutrient for plants, however its excess loss from agricultural lands cause eutrophication on aquatic environment. The Gilgel gibe reservoir located in the southwest part of Ethiopia is exposed to this phenomenon whereby the water quality has been classified as mesotrophic with P concentration of 0.86 mg/l. The objectives of this study were to identify the operating P loss mechanisms from agricultural lands, quantify the amount of P exported and evaluate the factors for P loss using the best management practices (BMPs) concepts. Therefore, experimental data and the annual phosphorus loss estimation (APLE) model were used to study the underlying processes. Catenas surrounding the reservoir, used as arable and pastureland, were investigated. Topsoil samples were taken and analyzed at three slope positions. The soils are mainly nitisol and a smaller portion of ve.. Read More»
DOI:
10.4172/2157-7587.1000214
Hydrology: Current Research received 2843 citations as per Google Scholar report