Using spatially explicit soil mapping and modelling to understand and mitigate nitrate leaching in an agricultural catchment

Lead Research Organisation: Newcastle University
Department Name: Sch of Natural & Environmental Sciences

Abstract

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Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
NE/R011184/1 30/09/2017 30/11/2021
1949776 Studentship NE/R011184/1 30/09/2017 29/09/2021 Naila Hina
 
Description I am trying to figure out the factors contributing to nitrate leaching and Geospatial variation of leaching. This work involves geophysical survey using a sensor. The output of geospatial variation can be used to design a better monitoring system to investigate N leaching from agricultural land to Groundwater. Soil spatial variability, land use and depth to the bedrock are found to be contributing factors for leaching.
Exploitation Route The agriculture catchment has various boreholes that provide drinking water to approximately 25000 people in the area. Nitrate concentration in drinking water is increasing and this is a risk for human health if it goes on increasing. It is assumed that this concentration of N in water is due to diffuse agriculture pollution. This work can be helpful to understand and mitigate nitrate leaching from the catchment to protect water.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Environment

 
Description The research is to understand the leaching from agricultural land. So farmers are directly involved. This will be used by farmers to protect their soil from losing N to the Groundwater. At the same time, It will be helpful to design management strategies based on key findings on a small scale.
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment
 
Description Farming rules for water (series of event in northeast of England) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact The events were organised across the northeast by the Environment agency for local farmers to discuss new farming rules to protect water resources from agricultural pollution. Some students, policymakers and farming related industries also attended these events. I have presented the effect of diffuse agricultural pollution, its impacts and possible solutions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020