The Novel Use of Ochre For The Removal and Recovery of Phosphate In Agricultural Systems
Abstract
If agriculture is taken to be an industry, then agricultural runoff can be seen as its waste product. As such we should seek to negate adverse agricultural losses of nutrients and sediments in a proactive way. This can be described as earth systems engineering. Sustainable nutrient loadings, buffer strips, wetlands and other buffering features are beneficial, however, practical agro-economic realities mean that 'intense' systems will still contribute substantial adverse losses. Here we show just one example, of many, that actively seek to negate phosphate losses whilst minimising the impact on farm economics. We will demonstrate that Ochre has between 70-90% phosphate stripping efficiency when carefully designed. Ochre is a by product of minewater treatment processes, and is now being used in low technology sewage treatment plants and reed beds. However, it is equally important to strip agricultural sources of phosphate. A series of experiments will be shown that discuss potential Ochre delivery and recovery systems relevant to agriculture. The basis of the design is to target nutrient rich flows in land drains, low order channels and to augment buffer strips and wetland systems.
- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.4164Q