A conceptual model of spatially heterogeneous nitrogen leaching from a Welsh moorland catchment

Evans, C.D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7052-354X; Reynolds, B.; Curtis, C.J.; Crook, H.D.; Norris, D.; Brittain, S.A.. 2004 A conceptual model of spatially heterogeneous nitrogen leaching from a Welsh moorland catchment. Water, Air and Soil Pollution: Focus, 4 (6). 97-105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11267-005-3019-7

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Abstract/Summary

Soil- and stream-water data from the Plynlimon research area, mid-Wales, have been used to develop a conceptual model of spatial variations in nitrogen (N) leaching within moorland catchments. Extensive peats, in both hilltop and valley locations, are considered near-complete sinks for inorganic N, but leach the most dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). Peaty mineral soils on hillslopes also retain inorganic N within upper organic horizons, but a proportion percolates into mineral horizons as nitrate (NO 3 – ), either through incomplete immobilisation in the organic layer, or in water bypassing the organic soil matrix via macropores. This NO 3 – reaches the stream where mineral soilwaters discharge (via matrix throughflow or pipeflow) directly to the drainage network, or via small N-enriched flush wetlands. NO 3 – in hillslope waters discharging into larger valley wetlands will be removed before reaching the stream. A concept of catchment nitrate leaching zones is proposed, whereby most stream NO 3 – derives from localised areas of mineral soil hillslope draining directly to the stream; the extent of these zones within a catchment may thus determine its overall susceptibility to elevated surface water NO 3 – concentrations.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1007/s11267-005-3019-7
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry > BG02 Recovery from acidification and eutrophication
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	_ Biogeochemistry & Ecosystem Function
Additional Keywords:	hillslope hydrology, immobilisation, nitrate leaching zones, nitrogen saturation
NORA Subject Terms:	Agriculture and Soil Science Hydrology
Date made live:	23 Jun 2009 12:36 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7544

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