Spatial heterogeneity of soil properties to predict pesticide movement
Date
2009
Authors
Umali, B.
Kookana, R.
Oliver, D.
Chittleborough, D.
Hutson, J.
Ostendorf, B.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Proceedings of the Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute Biennial International Conference (SSC2009), 2009.
Statement of Responsibility
Beng Umali, Rai Kookana, David Chittleborough and Bertram Ostendorf
Conference Name
Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute Biennial International Conference (2009 : Adelaide, Australia)
Abstract
Agricultural pesticides affect the water quality of surface water runoff and need to be carefully managed. Soil properties have a strong effect on off-site migration of agricultural pesticides. Among the different factors that dictate the off-site migration of pesticides, soil organic carbon content plays a crucial role. Although soil conditions are known to vary strongly within the landscape, little systematic research exists on how heterogeneity might affect the sensitivity of the ecosystem to pesticide application. Critical zones with low soil organic carbon may release an over proportional amount of pesticides into the waterways and hence may require different management rules. In order to understand topographic attributes and its relationship to various soil properties, most importantly, soil organic carbon, we conducted a study into the spatial heterogeneity of some soil physical and chemical properties in a small catchment in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Around 200 soil samples were taken and various topographic variables such as gradient, slope and curvature were analysed for their predictive capability of soil conditions. Implications for managing pesticide applications will be discussed.
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On Conference program titled: 'Determining spatial heterogeneity of soil properties to assess pesticide movement'
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Copyright status unknown