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Changing climate will lead to devastating loss of phosphorus from soil
April 15, 2009Crop growth, drinking water and recreational water sports could all be adversely affected if predicted changes in rainfall patterns over the coming years prove true, according to research published this month in Biology and Fertility of Soils.
Scientists from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)-funded North Wyke Research have found for the first time that the rate at which a dried soil is rewetted impacts on the amount of phosphorus lost from the soil into surface water and subsequently into the surrounding environment.
Dr Martin Blackwell who is one of the project leaders said: "Our preliminary results show that despite best efforts, the changing climate may limit our ability to mitigate phosphorus losses at certain times of the year, especially summer.
"This is really worrying because high phosphorus concentrations in surface waters can lead to harmful algal blooms which can be toxic, cause lack of oxygen during their decay and disrupt food webs. This can also affect the quality of water for drinking and result in the closure of recreational water sport facilities."
Under laboratory conditions Dr Blackwell and his team re-wet dried samples of UK grassland soil over different time periods, ranging from two hours to 24 hours using the same quantity of water. The leachate - water that has washed through the soil - was then analysed for phosphorus. The study showed that the rate at which a dried soil is rewetted affects the concentration and forms of phosphorus lost in leachate which could potentially contaminate surface water bodies (e.g. rivers and lakes).
The current research looked at only one soil type so it is not yet known whether other soil types would react in the same way. This is what Dr Blackwell and his team will look at next.
Commenting on the findings, Prof Douglas Kell BBSRC Chief Executive said: "If we are to ensure safe and sufficient food and water supplies in the future then we must be absolutely clear on the challenges that a changing climate presents us. Having this information now means that we can be prepared to deal with the consequences of altered rainfall patterns at a local, national and international level to secure harvests, and protect water supplies."
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
"This is really worrying because high phosphorus concentrations in surface waters can lead to harmful algal blooms which can be toxic, cause lack of oxygen during their decay and disrupt food webs. This can also affect the quality of water for drinking and result in the closure of recreational water sport facilities."
Under laboratory conditions Dr Blackwell and his team re-wet dried samples of UK grassland soil over different time periods, ranging from two hours to 24 hours using the same quantity of water. The leachate - water that has washed through the soil - was then analysed for phosphorus. The study showed that the rate at which a dried soil is rewetted affects the concentration and forms of phosphorus lost in leachate which could potentially contaminate surface water bodies (e.g. rivers and lakes).
The current research looked at only one soil type so it is not yet known whether other soil types would react in the same way. This is what Dr Blackwell and his team will look at next.
Commenting on the findings, Prof Douglas Kell BBSRC Chief Executive said: "If we are to ensure safe and sufficient food and water supplies in the future then we must be absolutely clear on the challenges that a changing climate presents us. Having this information now means that we can be prepared to deal with the consequences of altered rainfall patterns at a local, national and international level to secure harvests, and protect water supplies."
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
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The 13th Element: The Sordid Tale of Murder, Fire, and Phosphorus by John Emsley (Author) Discovered by alchemists, prescribed by apothecaries, exploited by nineteenth-century industrialists, and abused by twentieth-century combatants, phosphorus is one of nature's deadliest- and most fascinating- creations. Now award-winning author John Emsley combines his gift for storytelling with his scientific expertise to present an enthralling account of this eerily luminescent element. From murders-by-phosphorus where the bodies glowed green, to the match factory strike that helped end child labor in England, to the irony of the World War II firebombing of Hamburg, to even deadlier compounds derived from phosphorus today. The 13th Element weaves together a rich tableau of brilliant and oddball characters, social upheavals, and curious, bizarre, and horrific events that comprise the... |
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Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Phosphorus, 30C Pellets, 80-Count Tubes (Pack of 5) by Boiron Homeopathic medicine. Made in France. |
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Cycles of Soil: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Micronutrients, Second Edition by F. J. Stevenson (Author), M. A. Cole (Author) An updated edition of the classic work on the inorganic chemistry of soils. * With its companion volume, Humus Chemistry, forms a complete, advanced-level treatment of both organic and inorganic aspects of soil chemistry. * Revised to keep pace with the latest developments in the field. * Provides more in-depth treatment of all topics. |
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Complexed Phosphorus 200mg - 100 - Tablet by Carlson Laboratories Complexed Phosphorus 200mg phosphorus is provided per tablet from 1111mg phosphorus lysine complex. |
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Rep-Cal Calcium -Phosphorus & Vitamin D3 Free(green Bottle) by Rep-Cal Rep-Cal Calcium - Phosphorus and Vitamin D3 Freefor reptiles. Calcium deficiency is a major dietary problem of captive reptiles and amphibians. Maintaining a proper calcium:phosphorous (Ca:P) ratio in the diet of 1.5:1 is believed to be just as important nutritionally as an adequate Ca intake. The problem in most cases is an improper Ca:P ratio, not too little Ca. Pick up some Rep-Cal Calcium - Phosphorus and Vitamin D3 Free for your reptile today. Dosage: Mix with vegetables, fruits and pastes approximately 1/2 to 1 tablespoon per pound of food. Ingredients:100% natural phosphorus-free oyster shell calcium carbonate. Dosage:Mix with vegetables, fruits and pastes approximately 1/2 to 1 tablespoon per pound of food.To coat insects:Place insects and calcium powder in a plastic bag.Shake... |
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