In this broad topic area, we investigate the reaction, transformation and transport processes that govern the losses of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and contaminants such as pesticides from soil to surface waters and groundwater. We generally take a holistic approach, integrating both laboratory and field experiments and modeling to improve our understanding of the interactions of critical biological, chemical and physical processes in the soil-plant system. This process understanding underpins our applied research which aims to develop appropriate mitigation and land management practices and also modeling tools for risk assessment and decision-support, for both nutrients and pesticides.
Current research projects include:
- Sorption, degradation and leaching of glyphosate (Lars Bergström)
- Spatial variation of pesticide degradation at the small catchment scale (Abdul Ghafoor)
- Effects of ‘Biochar’ incorporation on pesticide leaching (Mats Larsbo)
- Improved pedotransfer functions for reactions and turnover of phosphorus (Anders Lindsjö)
- The subsoil – an important link in the understanding of phosphorus leaching (Helena Andersson)
- Mitigations options for phosphorus leaching to the Baltic Sea (Barbro Ulén)
- Pesticides from catch rotations in the Lake Mälaren region (Barbro Ulén)
- Improved risk assessments (PI) for phosphorus losses from an agricultural catchment (Barbro Ulén)
- Drinking water treatment residuals (WTR) to control phosphorus mobility (Barbro Ulén)
- Management of buffer zones for effective phosphorus retention (Barbro Ulén)
- Manure addition adapted to soil phosphorus status (Annika Lindvall)
- Catch crops for phosphorus (both field and laboratory studies) (Jian Liu)
- Phosphorus in soil water after slurry application (Barbro Ulén)
(Foto: Jenny Kreuger)