Forest Research: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

The Potential of P Loss from Livestock Farms to Watercourses in Wensleydale; A Risk Mapping Approach

Romero Tejero G

Hydrologic, chemical and physical factors controlling P export from 10 livestock farms located in Wensleydale were considered in order to estimate the risk of P loss to surface waters in a Non Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (non NVZ). Phosphorus source factors were obtained from a farm investigation questionnaire as well as from soil analysis results. Transport factors were examined using a GIS as a tool to implement a predictive model of delivery of P to watercourses. The classification of grassland into different risk categories was carried out using the Pennsylvanian P Index in a GIS. Finally, this risk assessment has yielded that non NVZ areas can pose a risk of breaching the Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives. A wide range of mechanisms including voluntary schemes are needed in order to reach good ecological status of freshwaters by 2015 in the UK.