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Nutrient Loss in Snowmelt Runoff: Results from a Long‐term Study in a Dryland Cropping System
Author(s) -
Schneider Kimberley D.,
McConkey Brian G.,
Thiagarajan Arumugam,
Elliott Jane A.,
Reid D. Keith
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq2018.12.0448
Subject(s) - snowmelt , surface runoff , environmental science , agronomy , summer fallow , nutrient , tillage , hydrology (agriculture) , agriculture , ecology , cropping , biology , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Snowmelt runoff often comprises the majority of annual runoff in the Canadian Prairies and a significant proportion of total nutrient loss from agricultural land to surface water. Our objective was to determine the effect of agroecosystem management on snowmelt runoff and nutrient losses from a long‐term field experiment at Swift Current, SK. Runoff quantity, nutrient concentrations, and loads were estimated after a change in management from conventionally tilled wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow (Conv W‐F) to no‐till wheat–fallow and subsequently no‐till wheat–pulse (NT W‐F/LP) and to an organic system with a wheat–green manure rotation (Org W‐GM). The conversion from conventional tillage practices to no‐till increased snowmelt runoff likely due to snow trapping by standing stubble after summer fallow. Relatedly, runoff after no‐till summer fallow had higher dissolved P losses (0.07 kg P ha −1 ). Replacing summer fallow with a pulse crop in the no‐till rotation decreased snowmelt runoff losses and nutrient concentrations. The Org W‐GM treatment had the lowest P loss after stubble (0.02 kg P ha −1 ) but had high dissolved P concentrations in snowmelt following the green manure (0.55 mg P L −1 ), suggesting a contribution from incorporated crop residues. In this semiarid climate with little runoff, dissolved reactive P and NO 3 –N loads in snowmelt runoff were smaller than those reported elsewhere on the prairies (averaging <0.05 kg P ha −1 yr −1 , and <0.2 kg NO 3 –N ha −1 yr −1 ); however, the nutrient concentrations we observed, in particular for P, even without P fertilizer addition for organic production, question the practicality of agricultural management systems in this region meeting water quality guidelines. Core Ideas The conversion to no‐till farming caused an increase in snowmelt runoff. Greater snowmelt volumes can lead to increased nutrient losses. Pulse crops can decrease snowmelt runoff and nutrient concentrations compared with no‐till fallow. Green manure fallow can increase dissolved reactive P and NO 3 –N concentrations in snowmelt runoff. It may not be practical to meet the water quality guidelines for P concentrations in this region.