Modeling Phosphorus Capture by Plants Growing in a Multispecies Riparian Buffer

• Published in: Applied and Environmental Soil Science Vol. 2012; no. 2012; pp. 591 - 597
• Main Authors: Kelly, J. M., Kovar, J. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 2012; Hindawi Puplishing Corporation; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Bromus inermis; Buffers; Evolution; Growing season; Natural resources; Nutrient uptake; Sensitivity analysis; Soil depth; Soil sciences; Soils; Studies
• ISSN: 1687-7667; 1687-7675
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/838254

The NST 3.0 mechanistic nutrient uptake model was used to explore P uptake to a depth of 120 cm over a 126 d growing season in simulated buffer communities composed of mixtures of cottonwood (Populus deltoids Bartr.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss). Model estimates of P uptake from pure stands of smooth brome and cottonwood were 18.9 and 24.5 kg ha−1, respectively. Uptake estimates for mixed stands of trees and grasses were intermediate to pure stands. A single factor sensitivity analysis of parameters used to calculate P uptake for each cover type indicated that Imax, k, ro, and Lo were consistently the most responsive to changes ranging from −50% to +100%. Model exploration of P uptake as a function of soil depth interval indicated that uptake was highest in the 0–30 cm intervals, with values ranging from 85% of total for cottonwood to 56% for switchgrass.