There is an ongoing debate as to whether nutrient contamination of groundwater under agricultural fields may
cause nutrient-enrichment and subsequent eutrophication in discharge areas. Often, there is only circumstantial
evidence to support this supposition (proximity of agricultural fields, direction of water flow, highly
productive vegetation). Research on solute transport along a flow path is necessary to evaluate the risk for
eutrophication. In this paper we present results of such a study. Two transects were established in a discharge
meadow, a few meters downstream from fertilized cornfields. Highly productive vegetation in parts of the
meadow suggested nutrient-enrichment caused by inflowof contaminated groundwater. This supposition was
supported by an analysis of groundwater flow paths, residence times and chloride as tracer for pollution.
However, the fate of nutrients along the flow path indicated otherwise.While we found high concentrations of
DIN (dissolved inorganic nitrogen), P and K under the cornfields, DIN and P concentrations drop below
detection limit when groundwater enters the meadow. Only K progressed into the meadow but did not enter
the root zone. We conclude that (1) polluted groundwater from the cornfields did not cause the nutrientenrichment,
as indicated by the highly productive vegetation. Restoration projects in discharge areas should
not focus upon measures in upstreamareas if only circumstantial evidence is available. Solute transport should
be considered as well. (2) BecauseKclearly showed to be the mostmobile nutrient, its importance for nutrientenrichment
in discharge wetlands merits more attention in future research
Is data on this page outdated, violates copyrights or anything else? Report the problem now and we will take corresponding actions after reviewing your request.