Biogeochemcial Phosphorus Hotspots: Hydrology, Microbial Ecology, and Soil Chemistry

Eutrophication due to anthropogenic phosphorus (P) sources is a persistent and critical national water quality problem. Although agricultural land is a recognized nonpoint source (NPS) of P, current risk assessment tools and best management practices for addressing P are limited by our incomplete understanding of the processes controlling P mobility. The Cornell Soil and Water Laboratory and Ecohydrology Research Groups are pursuing a campaign of projects focused on improving our understanding of the ecohydrological factors - both natural and anthropogenic - that control P mobility. Specific projects are designed to identify specific roles of microbial ecology, soil chemistry, and landscape position or propensity to soil-saturation on P transport potential. This presentation synthesizes findings across these projects that access our best understanding of ecohydrological controls on P mobility and highlight persistent challenges in unraveling this puzzle as well as implications for land management.