scholarly journals Perspective: Preferential Flow in Riparian Buffers: Current Research and Future Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1907-1911
Author(s):  
Derek M. Heeren ◽  
Lucie Guertault ◽  
Kyle Mankin
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Light Transmission ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Fate And Transport ◽  
Riparian Buffers ◽  
Riparian Buffer ◽  
List Type ◽  
Buffer Strip ◽  
Future Needs

HighlightsPreferential flow (PF) can critically reduce riparian buffer contaminant removal efficiency.This collection presents research on PF measurement, visualization, modeling, and contaminant transport impacts.Future needs include tools to identify landscape-scale PF areas and conservation practices.Future models for research and practice should account for PF in riparian buffers.Abstract. Preferential flow in riparian buffers can substantially compromise their effectiveness in reducing contaminants from overland runoff. The objective of this article is to introduce a collection of five articles on current research into subsurface preferential flow measurement, visualization, modeling, and impacts on contaminant fate and transport at scales ranging from the subsurface pore scale to the plot scale to the watershed scale. This collection presents selected works from a broader invited session on “Preferential flow and piping in riparian buffers” at the 2020 ASABE Annual International Meeting. Major findings include: new methodologies, such as light transmission and geophysics, to characterize subsurface preferential flow; an infiltration partitioning approach to quantify preferential flow from field experiments; a kinematic dispersive wave model to effectively simulate subsurface preferential flow; and the significant impact of surface concentrated flow pathways on pesticide fate and transport both upstream and within a riparian buffer. Future work is needed to develop methods and tools to identify PF areas and management solutions within a landscape, and to update both research and design models to better quantify and account for PF processes. Keywords: Best management practice, Buffer strip, Agricultural conservation practice, Filter strip, Macropore, Nonpoint-source pollution.

Comparative Non-Darcian Modeling of Subsurface Preferential Flow Experimental Observations in a Riparian Buffer

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1867-1881
Author(s):  
Enrique Orozco-López ◽  
Rafael Muñoz-Carpena
Keyword(s):  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Riparian Buffers ◽  
Riparian Buffer ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
List Type ◽  
Dispersive Wave ◽  
Macropore Flow ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Soil Matrix

HighlightsHigh ecohydrological activity drives macropore prevalence in riparian buffers.An abundance of macropore flow (MF) was confirmed in a field riparian buffer in Kenya.Source-response (SR) and multilayer kinematic diffusive wave (MKDW) MF models are compared.A novel MKDW modeling framework efficiently identifies and predicts preferential flow in riparian buffers.Abstract. The significant ecohydrological activity typical of riparian buffers makes them potential hotspots of macropores, i.e., structured preferential flow pathways, through the soil vadose zone. The prevalence of these preferential pathways can allow transported contaminants to bypass the soil matrix and quickly reach a seasonal shallow water table and the adjacent surface waterbody. This quick transport can ultimately limit the role of riparian buffers for runoff pollution control. Currently, there are no management tools that incorporate macropore flow (MF) when assessing riparian buffer performance. The objective of this study was to experimentally quantify and mathematically simulate macropore flow and arrival time in a riparian buffer under field conditions. Three infiltration experiments were conducted with a grid of 20 time-domain transmission (TDT) dielectric soil moisture sensors along a field riparian buffer transect in Kenya to quantify the presence of macropore flow and to test two non-Darcian soil MF models, including the source-responsive (SR) model and the modified kinematic-dispersive wave (MKDW) model developed in this study, by adding a user-defined multilayer convection scheme and a new hysteresis function between water flux and content. The abundance of MF in the riparian buffer was corroborated experimentally. Modeling results showed that the MKDW model was an efficient (average NSE of 0.937 and 0.721 for calibration and testing, respectively), flexible, and robust method to identify and represent non-linear and non-sequential MF signals at any soil depth and antecedent conditions. The SR model was computationally inexpensive and provided good calibration results (NSE = 0.867) but required piecemeal recalibration of the travel time and maximum water content at each layer and yielded lower performance in testing. The Akaike (AIC) and Bayesian (BIC) information criteria showed that MKDW outperformed SR when accounting for the trade-off between model complexity and efficiency. The results support further research focused on independent characterization of model parameters at the field scale, and the inclusion of MKDW in holistic riparian buffer management and decision-support tools such as VFSmod. Keywords: Kinematic-dispersive wave, Macropore flow, Numerical modeling, Preferential flow, Riparian vadose zone.

scholarly journals Quantifying the Importance of Preferential Flow in a Riparian Buffer

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 937-947
Author(s):  
Lucie Guertault ◽  
Garey A. Fox ◽  
Todd Halihan ◽  
Rafael Muñoz-Carpena
Keyword(s):  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Riparian Buffers ◽  
Riparian Buffer ◽  
Design Tools ◽  
Soil Matrix ◽  
Innovative Method ◽  
Matrix Flow ◽  
Buffer Design ◽  
Flow Pathways ◽  
Preferential Flow Pathways

HighlightsRiparian buffers and vegetative filter strips are uniquely susceptible to preferential flow.An innovative method is proposed to partition infiltration into matrix and macropore domains.Riparian buffer matrix and plot-scale infiltration experiments were simulated with HYDRUS-1D and VFSMOD.Preferential flow accounted for 32% to 47% of infiltration depending on hydrologic conditions.Preferential flow mechanisms should be incorporated into riparian buffer design tools and models.Abstract. Riparian buffers are uniquely susceptible to preferential flow due to the abundance of root channels, biological activity, and frequent wetting and drying cycles. Previous research has indicated such susceptibility and even measured the connectivity of preferential flow pathways with adjacent streams and rivers. However, limited research has attempted to partition the riparian buffer infiltration between matrix and preferential flow domains. The objectives of this research were to develop an innovative method to quantify soil matrix infiltration at the plot scale, develop a method to partition infiltration into matrix and macropore infiltration at the plot scale, and then use these methods to quantify the significance of macropore infiltration at a riparian buffer site. This research further demonstrated the importance of considering preferential flow processes in design tools and models to evaluate riparian buffer effectiveness. Sprinkler and runon field experiments were conducted at an established riparian buffer site with sandy loam soil. Trenches were installed and instrumented with soil moisture sensors along the width of the riparian buffer (i.e., along the flow path toward the stream) for detecting non-uniform flow patterns due to preferential flow. Riparian buffer parameters, including soil hydraulic parameters, were estimated using HYDRUS-1D for the sprinkler experiments and VFSMOD for the runon experiments. This research partitioned the infiltration into matrix and preferential flow domains by assuming negligible exchange of water between the soil matrix and preferential flow pathways in comparison to the magnitude of soil matrix flow. For these experimental conditions with 0.20 to 0.48 L s-1 of runon and initial soil water contents of 0.29 to 0.32 cm3 cm-3, preferential flow accounted for at least 27% to 32% of the total runon water entering the riparian buffer. This corresponded to approximately 32% to 47% of the total infiltration. While increasing the riparian buffer plot soil hydraulic conductivity in single-porosity models can adequately predict the total infiltration and therefore the surface outflow from the buffer, design tools and models should specifically consider preferential flow processes to improve predictive power regarding the actual infiltration processes and correspondingly the non-equilibrium flow and solute transport mechanisms. Keywords: Flow partitioning, HYDRUS, Matrix flow, Preferential flow, Riparian buffer, VFSMOD.

scholarly journals Detecting Macropore Fingering Using Temporal Electrical Resistivity Imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 861-870
Author(s):  
Todd Halihan ◽  
John Paul Hager ◽  
Lucie Guertault ◽  
Garey A. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Riparian Buffers ◽  
Electrical Resistivity Imaging ◽  
List Type ◽  
Soil Matrix ◽  
Resistivity Imaging ◽  
Field Setting

HighlightsSingle macropores can be detected using temporal electrical resistivity imaging under controlled conditions.Macropore flow can be detected based on preferentially wetted fingers of increased conductance.Macropore activation does not appear to require saturated surface conditions to induce preferential flow.Abstract. Riparian soils are uniquely susceptible to the formation of macropores, which are hypothesized to promote fast transport of water and contaminants through upper soil layers. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) can locate spatial heterogeneities in soil wetting patterns and evaluate differences due to vegetation, thus optimizing the design of riparian buffers. Temporal ERI (TERI) imaging was conducted in a fine and coarse field setting with artificial macropores to evaluate flow under unsaturated simulated rainfall conditions and saturated infiltrometer conditions. While single macropores are detectable using TERI datasets, the results in an average field setting would detect the wetted area surrounding a macropore, not the macropore itself. The results were similar for both the primary fine grain soil site in Oklahoma as well as the coarse grain site in North Carolina. TERI data indicated that without artificial conditions with low noise conditions, a single macropore would not be detected, a wetted zone would be the best detection. In ordinary field evaluation of natural macropores, the TERI technique would detect the wetted zone around a macropore similar to a high hydraulic conductivity zone in a heterogeneous soil matrix. Finally, the results confirmed that macropore activation does not require saturated conditions to generate preferential flow. Keywords: Hydrogeophysics, Preferential flowpaths, Riparian buffers, Temporal electrical resistivity imaging.

scholarly journals Soil N2O and CH4 Emissions From Fodder Maize Production With and Without Riparian Buffer Strips of Differing Vegetation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry Dlamini ◽  
Laura Cardenas ◽  
Eyob Tesfamariam ◽  
Robert Dunn ◽  
Jess Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Riparian Buffers ◽  
Riparian Buffer ◽  
Buffer Strips ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Buffer Strip ◽  
Gas Measurements ◽  
Buffer Control

Abstract Purpose: Nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) are some of the most important greenhouse gases of the 21st century. Vegetated riparian buffers are primarily implemented for their water quality functions in agroecosystems and their location in the agricultural landscape allows them to intercept and process pollutants from immediately adjacent agricultural land. They recycle increase soil carbon (C), intercept nitrogen (N)-rich runoff from adjacent croplands, and are seasonally anoxic, promoting processes producing environmentally harmful gases including N2O and CH4. Against this context, the study quantified these atmospheric losses between a cropland and vegetated riparian buffers that serve it.Methods: We used the static chamber to measure N2O and CH4 emissions simultaneously with soil. Gas measurements were done simulataneously with soil and environmental variables for a 6-month period in a replicated plot-scale facility comprising of maize cropping served by three vegetated riparian buffers, namely: (i) a novel grass riparian buffer; (ii) a willow riparian buffer, and; (iii) a woodland riparian buffer. These buffered treatments were compared with a no-buffer control. Results: The no-buffer control generated the largest cumulative N2O emissions of 18 929 g ha-1 (95% confidence intervals: 524.1 - 63 643) whilst the maize crop upslope generated the largest cumulative CH4 emissions of 5 050 ± 875 g ha-1. Soil N2O and CH4-based global warming potential (GWP) were lower in the willow (1223.5 ± 362.0 and 134.7 ± 74.0 kg CO2-eq. ha-1 year-1, respectively) and woodland (1771.3 ± 800.5 and 3.4 ± 35.9 kg CO2-eq. ha-1 year-1, respectively) riparian buffers.. Conclusions: Our results suggest that maize production in general, and situations where such cropping is not undertaken in tandem with a riparian buffer strip, result in atmospheric CH4 and N2O concerns.

Prediction of root damaging during mechanical shaking of fruit trees

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Z. Láng
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Calculated Data ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
List Type ◽  
Structure Model ◽  
Root Damage ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Simple Tree ◽  
The Given ◽  
Cherry Trees

The possible effect of shaker harvest on root damage of 10-year-old cherry trees was studied on a simple tree structure model. The model was composed of elastic trunk and rigid main roots, the ends of which were connected to the surrounding soil via springs and dumping elements. Equations were set up to be able to calculate the relation between shaking height on the trunk and strain in the roots. To get the data for root break and their elongation at different shaking heights on the trunk, laboratory and field experiments were carried out on cherry trees and on their roots. Having evaluated the measured and calculated data it could be concluded that root damage is to be expected even at 3.6% strain and the risk of it increases with increased trunk amplitudes, i.e.with the decrease of shaking heightat smaller stem diameters (i.e. in younger plantation), andif the unbalanced mass of the shaker machine is too large for the given tree size.

Design and Evaluation of the Key Units in a Rapeseed Direct Seeder Integrated with Plowing-Rotating Combined Tillage

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 1005-1014
Author(s):  
Guoliang Wei ◽  
Qingsong Zhang ◽  
Biao Wang ◽  
QingXi Liao
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Optimal Parameter ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
List Type ◽  
Oil Crops ◽  
Orthogonal Experiments ◽  
Heavy Soil ◽  
Tillage Depth ◽  
Working Parameters ◽  
Orthogonal Field

HighlightsThe seeder combined the plowing and rotating tillage to overcome the heavy soil and a large amount of straws.The plow could lift and turn the soil and straw before rotary tillage.The optimal working parameters of the seeder were obtained by orthogonal field experiments.Abstract. Rapeseed, one of the most important oil crops in China, is mainly planted in the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River. However, limited by the special long-term rice-rapeseed rotation, rotary tillage is applied in most of the planted areas apply instead of plow tillage, leading to a shallow arable layer. On the other hand, maintaining a high-quality seedbed for rapeseed becomes a challenge because a large amount of straw remains buried in the soil. As a solution, a rapeseed direct seeder that combines plow tillage and rotary tillage was designed. The structure of the plowing unit, whose key components were a lifting-turning plow and symmetrical plow, was analyzed based on the forming principle of the plow. Furthermore, a mechanical soil throwing model of the rotary tillage blade was built to determine the structural parameters. Then, the interaction between the rotary tillage unit and the lift-turning plow was analyzed. Finally, the performance and optimal parameters were evaluated by orthogonal field experiments. The seedbed after the operations indicated that the seeder could achieve the function of turning the soil and straw first and then rotating the soil with good passability, mixing the straw and the soil, flattening the surface of the seed bed, and stabilizing the tillage depth. Orthogonal experiments showed that the optimal working parameters of the seeder were as follows: the tillage depth was 180 mm, the equipment forward speed was 2.1 km/h, and the speed of the rotary tillage blade was 250 r/min. Under the optimal parameter combination, the power consumption of the seeder, the thickness of the tillage layer, the crop residue burial efficiency, the soil breakage efficiency, and the flatness of the seed bed surface were 30.48 kW, 231 mm, 90.88%, 93.26%, and 21.15 mm, respectively. The working performance of the seeder could meet the tillage requirements of rapeseed planting. Keywords: Direct seeder, Evaluation, Plow, Plowing-rotating combined tillage, Rapeseed.

scholarly journals Water repellency of clay, sand and organic soils in Finland

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 267 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. RASA ◽  
R. HORN ◽  
M. RÄTY
Keyword(s):  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Organic Soils ◽  
Water Repellent ◽  
Moisture Regime ◽  
Wetting Process

Water repellency (WR) delays soil wetting process, increases preferential flow and may give rise to surface runoff and consequent erosion. WR is commonly recognized in the soils of warm and temperate climates. To explore the occurrence of WR in soils in Finland, soil R index was studied on 12 sites of different soil types. The effects of soil management practice, vegetation age, soil moisture and drying temperature on WR were studied by a mini-infiltrometer with samples from depths of 0-5 and 5-10 cm. All studied sites exhibited WR (R index >1.95) at the time of sampling. WR increased as follows: sand (R = 1.8-5.0) < clay (R = 2.4-10.3) < organic (R = 7.9-undefined). At clay and sand, WR was generally higher at the soil surface and at the older sites (14 yr.), where organic matter is accumulated. Below 41 vol. % water content these mineral soils were water repellent whereas organic soil exhibited WR even at saturation. These results show that soil WR also reduces water infiltration at the prevalent field moisture regime in the soils of boreal climate. The ageing of vegetation increases WR and on the other hand, cultivation reduces or hinders the development of WR.;

scholarly journals Modelling liquid water transport in snow under rain-on-snow conditions – considering preferential flow

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1741-1756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Würzer ◽  
Nander Wever ◽  
Roman Juras ◽  
Michael Lehning ◽  
Tobias Jonas
Keyword(s):  
Water Transport ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Richards Equation ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Wet Snow ◽  
Snow Conditions ◽  
Dual Domain ◽  
Grain Properties

Abstract. Rain on snow (ROS) has the potential to generate severe floods. Thus, precisely predicting the effect of an approaching ROS event on runoff formation is very important. Data analyses from past ROS events have shown that a snowpack experiencing ROS can either release runoff immediately or delay it considerably. This delay is a result of refreeze of liquid water and water transport, which in turn is dependent on snow grain properties but also on the presence of structures such as ice layers or capillary barriers. During sprinkling experiments, preferential flow was found to be a process that critically impacted the timing of snowpack runoff. However, current one-dimensional operational snowpack models are not capable of addressing this phenomenon. For this study, the detailed physics-based snowpack model SNOWPACK is extended with a water transport scheme accounting for preferential flow. The implemented Richards equation solver is modified using a dual-domain approach to simulate water transport under preferential flow conditions. To validate the presented approach, we used an extensive dataset of over 100 ROS events from several locations in the European Alps, comprising meteorological and snowpack measurements as well as snow lysimeter runoff data. The model was tested under a variety of initial snowpack conditions, including cold, ripe, stratified and homogeneous snow. Results show that the model accounting for preferential flow demonstrated an improved overall performance, where in particular the onset of snowpack runoff was captured better. While the improvements were ambiguous for experiments on isothermal wet snow, they were pronounced for experiments on cold snowpacks, where field experiments found preferential flow to be especially prevalent.

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