ISSN:
1572-9915
Keywords:
catchment-ecosystem
;
nutrient-budget
;
anthropogenic inputs
;
nitrogen
;
phosphorus
;
eutrophication
;
agricultural policies
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Ethnic Sciences
Notes:
Abstract The catchment-ecosystem concept is adapted to investigate the nutrient-budget of the highly-modified Colebrooke drainage basin in Northern Ireland. Anthropogenic inputs, mainly manures and fertilizers, account for 86% of the nitrogen and 96% of the phosphorus added to the catchment. These inputs greatly exceed the streamflow outputs, thereby indicating that the flow of nutrients is dominated by agriculture. This is explained by the transformation of traditional mixed farming into more intensive livestock production and is linked to policies encouraging increased agricultural production, amalgamation of farms, afforestation, rural depopulation, and urbanization. Substantial increases in the Nand Poutput of the catchment and further eutrophication of the recipient lake, Lough Erne, are predicted without the implementation of policies to reduce agricultural nutrient losses.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01531096
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