Progress 10/01/02 to 10/01/03
Outputs
Particulate phosphorus source and transport studies are being conducted on three farms and two EAA main canal locations to determine the full impacts of flocculent plant detritus material and sediment transport on phosphorus loads leaving farms in the EAA. Sediment inventory of canals is done twice a year. The primary source of particulate P exported from the EAA farms was shown to be the biological matter growing in farm canals. Turbulence and high velocity in the canals are the conditions that will most promote disengagement of particulate matter, especially the light flocculant particular matter associated with organic biomass. Research done on water conservation area canals (WCA) included sediment inventory of all canals downstream on an existing or a future storm treatment areas (STA). We also conducted laboratory flux studies on WCA canals as well as transport studies on canals south of STA-1W.
Impacts
Previous work has shown that the detritus material has P contents that are up to an order of magnitude greater than soil P contents. Particulate matter taken out of the drainage stream shows that P contents are generally at least double that of the soil. Hence, attention is being focused on the beneficial use and control of aquatic plants. The flocculent detritus must be removed from the canal scouring zone prior to initiating off-farm pumping. If an efficient method of doing the above can be developed, P loads from farms in the EAA could be reduced by up to 30% on top of the 50% reduction already achieved. This will result in cleaner water entering the STAs, extending the life of the treatment areas and fully incorporating agriculture into the restoration efforts. It is hypothesized that the release of low P water from the STAs into the WCA canals may lead to increased P flux of P from the WCA sediments. This may have huge implications on the success of the
Everglades restoration if the WCA canals are found to be a source of P to the released treated water. The WCA sediment inventories are being used to develop a hydrologic model for the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
Publications
- Diaz, O. A., Daroub, S. H., Stuck, J.D., Lang, T. A., Clark, M. W., and Reddy, K. R. 2003. Contribution of internal phosphorus loads in water conservation area canal sediments. Joint conference on the Science and Restoration of the Greater Everglades (GEER), and Florida Bay Ecosystem, Palm Harbor, FL. April 13-18, 2003. Pages 139-140.
- Daroub, S.H. Stuck, J.D., Lang, T. A., Diaz, O. A., Clark, M. W. and Reddy, K. R. 2003. Water conservation area canal sediment phosphorus studies, Inventory release and transport. University of Florida, EREC, Belle Glade, April 2003. Submitted to the Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife Service, and South Florida Water Management District.
- Daroub, S. H., Stuck, J.D., Diaz, O. A., Clark, M. W., Reddy, K. R. 2003. Impact of water conservation area canals on low-phosphorus water discharged from storm water treatment areas. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America Annual meetings Abstracts, CD-ROM, Denver, CO, 2-6 November 2003.
- Diaz, O. A, Daroub, S. H., Stuck, J.D., Lang, T. A. 2003. Transport mechanisms of dissolved and particulate phosphorus in the water conservation area canals in south Florida. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America Annual meetings Abstracts, CD-ROM, Denver, CO, 2-6 November 2003.
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Progress 02/03/95 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Concerns regarding the quality of agricultural drainage from the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in south Florida discharged into the downstream Everglades ecosystems led to a regulatory program to reduce phosphorus (P) loads coming out of the area. Soil sediment characterization and particulate P transport studies were conducted on three farms in the EAA. The primary goals were to identify sources and mobility characteristics of particulate P on EAA farms and to modify management practices to reduce particulate P transport off the farm. Particulate P is P associated with matter whether it is soil, sediments, plant detritus, plankton etc. Farm discharges were analyzed for total P (TP) and total dissolved P (TDP). Particulate P is then calculated as the difference between TP and TDP. Particulate P accounts for 20 to 70% of TP exported from EAA farms and is frequently the cause of spikes in TP loads. A significant fraction of particulate P in the EAA originates from
in-stream biological growth, rather than from soil erosion. Sediments that contribute significantly to P export were postulated to be recently deposited biological material such as settled plankton, filamentous algae, and macrophyte detritus. The Biological Contribution Mechanism includes bed sediment erosion as a source of exported particulate P, and these sediments consist of a heterogeneous mixture of organic matter in various stages of decomposition, with various levels of P content, and variable transport properties. Increased particulate P load rates in discharge water may occur from transport of moderate amounts of high P content material. This light material can be transported at moderate flow rates, for example at pump start-up after long inter-event time periods. Increased particulate P load rates may also occur from transport of large amounts of lower P content sediment material over a short period of time. This type of increased particulate P load rate could occur during
high pumping rate events, that causes canal level to drop, increasing flow velocity, and resulting in the dislodging and transport of base sediment material in the canal. Management practices that were recommended by the study to control particulate P in discharges included practices that reduced the first flush and minimized the occurrence of continued high velocities. Weed control programs in the main canals are productive in reducing the supply of transportable high P content biomass and thereby reducing the first flush phenomena. Retention booms should be placed well upstream of the pump station. Relocating sediments upstream from the pump house is recommended in conjunction with irrigation events. High velocity flow can cause particulate P to be mobilized in large amounts. Velocity is a key control parameter for reducing particulate P export. Control of canal levels is critical in avoiding extreme velocity excursions. Canal levels should be controlled to give minimum canal depths
that do not exceed the maximum velocity recommendations. In addition, short period pump cycling is always detrimental and should be avoided in order to reduce particulate P transport off the farm.
Impacts
Detritus material has P contents that are up to an order of magnitude greater than soil P contents. Particulate matter taken out of the drainage stream shows that P contents are generally at least double that of the soil. The flocculent detritus need be removed from the canal scouring zone prior to initiating off-farm pumping. Practices to control transport of sediments and particulate matter have been shown to be effective in reducing P loads in the drainage water. This will lead to further reduction of P loads from the EAA. This will result in cleaner water entering the STAs, extending the life of the treatment areas and fully incorporating agriculture into the restoration efforts.
Publications
- Bedregal C, S. Daroub, B.Donovan,E. Marshall, P. McGinnes, C. Miessau, D. Pescatore, P. Sievers, J.D. Stuck, S. Van Horn, and J. Vega. 2004. Performance and Optimization of Agricultural Best Management Practices, Everglades Consolidated Report, Water Year 2003, Chapter 3, South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, FL (peer reviewed).
- Daroub, S.H., T.A. Lang, O.A. Diaz, M. Chen, and J.D. Stuck. 2004. Annual report Phase XII: Implementation and Verification of BMPs for Reducing P Loading in the EAA and Everglades Agricultural Area BMPs for Reducing Particulate Phosphorus Transport. University of Florida, EREC, Belle Glade, May 2004. Submitted to the Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District and The Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
- Diaz, O.A., S.H. Daroub, J.D. Stuck, M.W. Clark, T.A. Lang, and K.R. Reddy. 2004. Potential phosphorus release from Water Conservation Area canals in the Everglades: I. Sediment inventory and phosphorus fractions. (In review).
- Lang, T.A. S.H. Daroub, and O.A. Diaz. 2004. Managing drainage flow velocity and aquatic weeds to reduce P export from Everglades Agricultural Area farms. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America Annual meetings Abstracts, Seattle, WA. CDROM November 2004.
- Diaz, O.A., S.H. Daroub, J.D. Stuck, and T.A. Lang. 2004. Transport of dissolved and particulate phosphorus in canal waters downstream of STA-1W. First National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, Orlando, FL. December 6-10, 2004.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 10/01/02
Outputs
Particulate phosphorus source and transport studies are being conducted on three farms and two EAA main canal locations to determine the full impacts of flocculent plant detritus material and sediment transport on phosphorus loads leaving farms in the EAA. Sediment inventory of canals is done twice a year. The primary source of particulate P exported from the EAA farms was shown to be the biological matter growing in farm canals. Turbulence and high velocity in the canals are the conditions that will most promote disengagement of particulate matter, especially the light flocculant particular matter associated with organic biomass. Sediment inventory of the Water Conservation Area (WCA) Canals down stream of the Storm Water Treatment (STA) areas has also been done. Laboratory P flux studies and in-situ flux studies are being conducted on WCA canal sediments.
Impacts
Previous work has shown that the detritus material has P contents that are up to an order of magnitude greater than soil P contents. Particulate matter taken out of the drainage stream shows that P contents are generally at least double that of the soil. Hence, attention is being focused on the beneficial use and control of aquatic plants. The flocculent detritus must be removed from the canal scouring zone prior to initiating off-farm pumping. If an efficient method of doing the above can be developed, P loads from farms in the EAA could be reduced by up to 30% on top of the 50% reduction already achieved. This will result in cleaner water entering the STAs, extending the life of the treatment areas and fully incorporating agriculture into the restoration efforts. It is hypothesized that the release of low P water from the STAs into the WCA canals may lead to increased P flux of P from the WCA sediments. This may have huge implications on the success of the
Everglades restoration if the WCA canals are found to be a source of P to the released treated water. The WCA sediment inventories will be used to develop a hydrologic model for the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
Publications
- Stuck, J.D., F.T. Izuno, N. Pickering, K.L. Campbell, A.B. Bottcher. 2001. Mathematical modeling of suspended solids and particulate phosphorus transport in farm conveyance systems of the Everglades Agricultural Area. ASAE Transactions 44(5): 1117-1126.
- Stuck, J.D., Lang, T.A., Diaz, O. A., Daroub, S., and Aziz, T. 2002. Studies on particulate phosphorus sources and potential management practices for control in the Everglades Agricultural Area. In: Proceedings of the 7th Biennial Conference on Stormwater research and watershed management, Southwest Florida water Management district and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. May 22-23, Tampa, Fl. Pp.164-174.
- Stuck, J.D., F.T. Izuno, K.L. Campbell, A.B. Bottcher, R.W. Rice. 2001. Farm-level studies of particulate phosphorus transport in the Everglades Agricultural Area. ASAE Transactions 44(5): 1105-1116.
- Daroub, S., Stuck, J.D., Rice, R.W., Lang, T. A., and Diaz, O. A. March 2002. Implementation and verification of BMP's for reducing P loading the EAA and Everglades Agricultural area BMPs for reducing particulate phosphorus transport. Phase X: Annual Report. Submitted to the EAA-Environmental protection District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
- Daroub, S. H., Stuck, J.D., Lang, T. A., and Diaz, O. A. September 2002. Implementation and verification of BMP's for reducing P loading in the EAA and Everglades agricultural area BMPs for reducing particulate phosphorus transport. Phase XI Report I. Submitted to the EAA-Environmental protection District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 10/01/01
Outputs
Applied research and extension work continues in the EAA. Particulate phosphorus source and transport studies are being conducted on three farms and two EAA main canal locations to determine the full impacts of flocculent plant detritus material and soil erosion on phosphorus loads leaving farms in the EAA. It is hypothesized that the high-P content aquatic weed detritus is what is causing spikes in P loads during pumping after prolonged dry spells, as well as being responsible for the "first-flush" effect seen during most drainage events. Indigenous aquatic weeds are being grown in a greenhouse to determine detritus production rates. Flocculent and consolidated sediments from the 3 farms and two canals are being analyzed for P content, transportability, and the potential effects of removing it from the drainage stream. Estimations of P tied up in aquatic weeds through the season have been made at 2 farms.
Impacts
Previous work has shown that the detritus material has P contents that are up to an order of magnitude greater than soil P contents. Particulate matter taken out of the drainage stream shows that P contents are generally at least double that of the soil. Hence, attention is being focused on the beneficial use and control of aquatic plants. The flocculent detritus must be removed from the canal scouring zone prior to initiating off-farm pumping. If an efficient method of doing the above can be developed, P loads from farms in the EAA could be reduced by up to 30% on top of the 50% reduction already achieved. This will result in cleaner water entering the STAs, extending the life of the treatment areas and fully incorporating agriculture into the restoration efforts.
Publications
- Stuck, J.D., F.T. Izuno, K.L. Campbell, A.B. Bottcher, R.W. Rice. 2001. Farm-level studies of particulate phosphorus transport in the Everglades Agricultural Area. ASAE Transactions 44(5):xxx. In Press
- Stuck, J.D., F.T. Izuno, N. Pickering, K.L. Campbell, A.B. Bottcher. 2001. Mathematical modeling of suspended solids and particulate phosphorus transport in farm conveyance systems of the Everglades Agricultural Area. ASAE Transactions 44(5):xxx. In Press
- Stuck, J.D., T.A. Lang, F.T. Izuno, and R.W. Rice. 2002. Particulate phosphorus transport in the Everglades Agricultural Area of Florida: Watershed level studies.Ag. Ecosys. and Env. Accepted.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
Applied research and extension work continues in the EAA. Three prototype farms are being used to determine the full impacts of flocculent plant detrital material and soil erosion on phosphorus loads leaving farms in the EAA. It is hypothesized that the high-P content aquatic weed detritus is what is causing spikes in P loads during pumping after prolonged dry speels, as well as bing responsible for the "first-flush" effect seen during most drainage events. Indigenous aquatic weeds are being grown in a greenhouse to determine detrital production rates. Flocculent and consolidated sediments from the 3 farms are being analyzed for P content, transportability, and the potential effects of removing it from the drainage stream. Attention is being focused on how to efficiently remove the flocculent material from the scour zone between pumping events.A lysimeter site plan to look at cultivating aquatic weeds to remove dissolved p from farm canals, convert it to plant mass,
and then reincorporate the residue in fields has been developed. Estimations of P tied up in aquatic weeds through the season have been made at 2 farms.
Impacts
Previous work has shown that the detrital material has P contents that are up to an order of magnitude greater than soil P contents. Particulate matter taken out of the drainage stream shows that P contents are generally at least double that of the soil. Hence, attention is being focused on the beneficial use and control of aquatic plants. The flocculent detritus must be removed from the canal scouring zone prior to initiating off-farm pumping. If an efficient method of doing the above can be developed, P loads from farms in the EAA could be reduced by up to 30% on top of the 50% reduction already achieved. This will result in cleaner water entering the STAs, extending the life of the treatment areas and fully incorporating agriculture into the restoration efforts.
Publications
- Stuck, J.D., F.T. Izuno, K.L. Campbell, A.B. Bottcher, and R.W. Rice. 2000. Particulate phosphorus transport in the water conveyance systems of south Florida: Farm level studies. ASAE Transactions. In Press.
- Stuck, J.D., F.T. Izuno, N. Pickering, K.L. Campbell, and A.B. Bottcher. 2000. Mathematical modeling of suspended solids and particulate phosphorus transport in farm conveyance systems of the EAA. ASAE Transactions. Accepted.
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
The initial investigative phase of this project was completed and information was disseminated to the Florida DEP, the SFWMD, and the EAA-EPD in various written and oral formats. The results were extremely well received and lead to an increased interest in continuing to study the effects of particulate phosphorus on the total phosphorus loading equation in south Florida. An expanded scope of work was submitted and a funding committment of 40 months has been recived. The project shall focus on developing and implementing particulate phosphorus load reduction best management practices (BMPs) at the farm level. It was found that an average of 60% of the total phosphorus load in the EAA was attached to particulate matter of in-canal origin. The biological control hypothesis was put forward as the mechanism governing particulate phosphorus loading. These biological sources, ranging from plankton to aquatic plants and animals, have phosphorus concentrations ranging from
2,000 to over 10,000 mg/kg. Particulates associated with these sources were found abundantly in farm discharge water.
Impacts
The research has changed the EAA focus on how to deal with the particulate fraction of phosphorus in drainage water. The validity of traditional soil erosion and sediment transport mechanisms in the EAA are being questioned. The results of the study have heightened the belief that the agricultural industry can achieve even greater reductions in phosphorus loading. Furthermore, the applicability of the research promises to expand beyond the boundaries of the EAA, into ecosystems throughout south Florida.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
A revised scope of work was written for this project. The objectives remain the same: 1) to quantify the buildup and determine the physical and chemical properties of sediments in a main canal rock pit diversion; 2) to quantify the buildup and determine the physical and chemical properties of sediment in the West Palm Beach Canal; and 3) to assess the potential utility of rock pit diversions to reduce P loading in the Everglades Agricultural Area main canal system. The project has been completed and the project Final Report has been submitted to the granting agencies. An important project finding was that dredging canals leads directly to a greatly increased movement of newly erodible sediment carrying phosphorus. In addition, rock pit diversions can be used for precipitating heavier phosphorus bearing particles out of the drainage stream. However, in-canal biological growth greatly affects the TP concentrations and loads seen at any given time. This biological
growth, including floating macrophytes, and their associated detritus, has a much greater phosphorus content than the Everglades Agricultural Area soils and canal sediments. Much of this material is easily resuspended or freshly dislodged during flow. Hence, the amount of phosphorus bearing sediments trapped in the rock pit was a very small portion of the phosphorus attached to particulate matter in the drainage stream. The project concluded that aquatic macrophytes and their seasonal cycles control the amount of phosphorus measured as particulate phosphorus.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96
Outputs
A revised scope of work was written for this project. The objectives remain the same: 1) To quantify the build-up and determine the physical and chemical properties of sediments in a main canal rock pit diversion; 2) To quantify the buildup and determine the physical and chemical properties of sediments in the West Palm Beach Canal; and 3) To assess the potential utility of rock pit diversions to reduce P loading in the Everglades Agricultural Area main canal system. Numerous sediment samples have been collected from the rock pit site. A laboratory was set up and sample analyses are being performed under approved FDEP CompQA and QAPP plans. Numerous pad penetrometer readings have been taken to assess their potential beneficial use in the EAA. Included in the chemical analyses of sediment or particulate matter samples are carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Windemuller, P., D.L. Anderson, R.H. Aalderink, W. Abtew, and J. Obeysekera. 1997. Modeling flow in the Everglades Agricultural Area irrigation/drainage canal network. Accepted by J. Water Res.
- Anderson, D.L., and P. Rosendahl. 1996. The development and application of environmental policy: south Florida, the Everglades, and the Florida Sugar Industry. Sugar 2000 Symposium. Paper no. 20. CSIRO, Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, Brisbane, Australia.
- Anderson, D.L. 1996. Use of soil amendments to reduce dairy nutrient contamination of phosphorus and nitrates in surface and groundwater. Florida Dairy Production Conf. April. Gainesville, FL.
- Abtew, W., M.J. Chimney, T.D. Fontaine, and D.L. Anderson. 1996. Particulate phosphorus fraction and total suspended solids role in P removal strategy in the inflow waters of the Everglades. ASAE Paper No. 962128. Annual International Meeting, July 14-18. Phoenix,
- Anderson, D.L. 1996. Sugar 2000 Symposium - Towards a Sweeter Future. Sugar J. 59(4):18-19.
- Anderson, D.L. 1996. Effectiveness of sediment trapping BMP's in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Monitoring Suspended Sediments, Flows, & Water Quality. Audit Response Report. University of Florida, Everglades REC, Belle Glade, FL. 30 October. (Contractual Report).
- Hanlon, E.A., J.A. Stricker, D.Z. Haman, and D.L. Anderson. 1996. Managing runoff water quality from clay settling areas used for intensive agricultural production. University of Florida, IFAS, Gainesville, FL. Annual report to the Florida Institute of Phosphate
- Anderson, D.L., and P. Rosendahl. 1996. The development and application of environmental policy: south Florida, the Evergldes, and the Florida Sugar Industry. Sugar 2000 Symposium. Paper no. 20.
- CSIRO, Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, Brisbane, Australia. 19-23 August. Talk also delivered to the InterAmerican Sugar Cane Seminars, Miami, FL, 19 September.
- Hanlon, E.A., J.A. Stricker, D.Z. Haman, D.L. Anderson. 1996. Runoff water quality from clay settling areas used for intensive agricultural production. Eleventh Ann. Reg. Phosphate Conf. 17-18
- Anderson, D.L. 1996. Effectiveness of sediment trapping BMP's in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Monitoring Suspended Sediments, Flows, & Water Quality. Quarterly Report 5. University of Florida, Everglades REC, Belle Glade, FL 105 pp. 15 March.
- Anderson, D.L. 1996. Effectiveness of sediment trapping BMP's in the Everglades gricultural Area. Monitoring Suspended Sediments, Flows, & Water Quality. QuarterlyReport 5. University of Florida, Everglades REC, Belle Glade, FL 105 pp. 15 June. (Contractual Report).
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