Project Number:
WR00R006
Funding Year:
2000
Contract Period:
7/1/2000 - 6/30/2002
Funding Source:
UWS
Investigator(s):
PIs:- Nancy Turyk
- Byron Shaw
Abstract:
Objective:
The primary objective of this study was to monitor changes that occur in groundwater quality and soil fertility in an abandoned barnyard planted with effectively and ineffectively nodulated alfalfa cultivars (Agate and Saranac) for possible use in phytoremediation This project consists of several components; Variables analyzed included groundwater chemistry, soil characteristics, and differences between alfalfa cultivars for yield and plant nutrient content.
Methods:
Groundwater monitoring wells (up- and down-gradient) of the 60 m-long plots were sampled monthly through the growing season, from March through October, plus a winter sampling, totaling nine sample dates per year. Analyses included NO2+NO3-N and Cl- on all sample dates plus two samples per year for total reactive P, K, and NH4-N.
Spatially-referenced samples from the upper 1.5 m of soil were collected at the end of each growing season in 1998 and 2000 for analysis of NO2+NO3-N, NH4-N, and extractable P. Spatially-referenced topsoil samples were obtained in spring of each year and analyzed for inorganic N and extractable P. Eight spatially-referenced herbage samples were collected from each plot every harvest for determination of biomass and N and P content. Topsoil samples taken at the same locations were analyzed for inorganic N and extractable P.