ARS | Publication request: USING THE RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT MODEL (REMM) TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF VEGETATED FILTER STRIPS ON PHOSPHOROS LOSSES IN RUNOFF

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Soil Science Society of America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 2, 2004
Publication Date: October 25, 2004
Citation: Gilbert, J.K., Sims, T.J., Lowrance, R.R., Williams, R.G. 2004. Using the riparian ecosystem management model (remm) to assess the effect of vegetated filter strips on phosphoros losses in runoff. Proceedings of the Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, Abstract 509-600441, SSSA Proceedings (Comopact Disk).

Technical Abstract: Nonpoint phosphorus (P) pollution of surface and shallow ground waters is a widespread environmental concern. In Delaware, historic applications of poultry litter and inorganic fertilizer has resulted in accumulation of phosphorus (P) in soils. Programs such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, (CREP) offer incentives for voluntary management practices to reduce P pollution. One of these practices, vegetative filter strips (VFS), accounts for approximately 20% of the 7500 acres under CREP in the state. While it is accepted that VFS's can control particulate P(PP) pollution, it is not known how VFS's affect dissolved reactive P (DRP) movement. The Riparian Ecosystem Management Model (REMM) quantifies the effectiveness of VFS's at reducing P loss to water, primarily by considering PP transfer via soil erosion. We evaluated the current version of REMM for high P soils of the mid-Atlantic coastal plain to determine VFS characteristics needed to minimize P loss. Simulations evaluated the influence of VFS width, nutrient management BMP's, soil moisture status, and the role of soil chemical properties (e.g., soil P saturation, soil organic matter, Al and Fe oxides) in P retenetion by VFS's. Model validation will be conducted by comparing REMM output to field data from VFS's in Delaware. Results will be related to ongoing efforts to design VFS's that can effectively prevent nonpoint P water pollution.