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Phosphorus Loss Potential and Phosphatase Activity under Phosphorus Fertilization in Long‐Term Paddy Wetland Agroecosystems
Author(s) -
Wang Shaoxian,
Liang Xinqiang,
Chen Yingxu,
Luo Qixiang,
Liang Wusheng,
Li Song,
Huang Changlin,
Li Zuzhang,
Wan Lanlan,
Li Wei,
Shao Xuexin
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj2011.0078
Subject(s) - surface runoff , agronomy , leaching (pedology) , human fertilization , environmental science , plough , phosphorus , surface water , chemistry , soil water , soil science , ecology , environmental engineering , biology , organic chemistry
Phosphorus fertilization may lead to increased P runoff and leaching, contributing to surface water and groundwater pollution. Plots of a 25‐yr field study in subtropical China representing eight P fertilization treatments were sampled to determine the effects of P fertilization on P loss potential and correlations among soil test P, soil neutral phosphatase activity, and water P content. Phosphorus fertilization increased soil test P and neutral phosphatase activity in the plow layer compared with P‐free fertilization. Total P content of paddy surface water increased with P fertilization, from <0.01 to 0.35 mg L −1 . Phosphorus fertilization created P runoff loss risk, especially with the combined application of both inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments. The P runoff loss potential could be reduced or avoided by utilizing physical barriers on field margins to reduce or eliminate runoff. Soil neutral phosphatase activity, soil test P in the 0‐ to 5‐cm layer, and surface water P content were significantly and positively correlated. Soil neutral phosphatase activity contributed to soil test P and the potential of P runoff loss. Fertilization did not affect soil test P or neutral phosphatase activity beneath the plow layer or total P of paddy groundwater at the 100‐cm depth. The P content of paddy groundwater was not related to that of surface water, indicating that downward movement of P and P leaching did not occur. The results suggest that paddy wetland ecosystems can store P with proper management, especially for organic amendments.