Impact of a Forested State Park on Nutrient Dynamics in an Agriculturally-Dominated Watershed in Southwest Ohio

Abstract:

Agricultural land use increases nutrient levels in streams and often results in eutrophication. Previous studies have shown that land cover, geomorphology, hydrology, and seasonal change can influence nutrient levels in streams. This study examines the spatial and temporal nutrient dynamics as water travels from agriculturally dominated land through a large forested area in southwestern Ohio. Water is collected biweekly from 19 sites. The samples are processed for total nitrogen (TN), nitrate (NO3-), nitrite (NO2−), ammonium (NH₄⁺), total phosphorus (TP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), and TN:TP. Preliminary results will be presented, and the study will continue for a complete hydrological year. Statistical analyses will be used in order to determine if the forested buffer provides meaningful water quality improvement and to measure the impact of stream morphology, discharge, land cover, and vegetation condition on nutrient levels.