Prélèvement et échantillonnage dans les petits bassins-versants ruraux

Cet article traite de la représentativité des prélèvements d'eau effectués dans le cadre de suivis de bassins versants ou de rivières.Les réflexions proposées sont en premier lieu basées sur des expérimentations de laboratoire et de terrain destinées à comparer divers systèmes et modalités de prélèvements. Les résultats obtenus montrent en particulier que les prélèvements de matières en suspension de dimensions > 100 µm sont peu fiables alors que ce type de particules présente, dans certain cas, une contribution non négligeable aux flux de phosphore total.Les suivis réalisés en divers points représentatifs de petits bassins expérimentaux fournissent des éléments de discussion complémentaires sur le choix des sites des prélèvements et sur les pas de temps de ceux-ci. Nous montrons entre autre, toute l'importance de saisir le début des crues dans les bassins à forte pollution ponctuelle et de considérer des suivis des périodes suffisamment longues pour intégrer les divers fonctionnements hydrochimiques du bassin versant étudié.Water and suspended matter sampling in hydrographic networks is studied through various sampling systems and procedures, and through devices used in fields and in laboratories (fig. 1).Large size particles tend to be underestimated whatever the sampling procedure (manual or automatic) (fig. 2, 3). On the other hand, the sampling for soluble elements and small site particles (less man 50 µm) is very reliable. This is observed in suspended matter concentrations, eg < 2 g.l-1.The largest particles of suspended matter sometimes contribute to nutrient transfer, e.g. phosphorous. This however depends upon the presence of soil microaggregates and nutrient geochemistry. Moreover, natural hydrological variations give rise to another problem for sampling, especially for suspended matter (fig. 7, 9, 10, table 2).Comparatively the variation due to preservation of water is of secondary importance (fig. 11).However, thanks to results from monitoring in experimental watersheds, it is possible to find the best sampling station and the hast time to carry out sampling (fig. 12, 13; fable 3).Duration of survey and intervals between each sample depend, of course, upon the objectives of the study, but also upon watershed characteristics. Considering these characteristics, we propose an example of sampling stategy in the text (table 6, fig. 5)

Bilan du phosphore dans un bassin versant du lac Léman : Conséquences pour la détermination de l'origine des flux exportés

Cet article s'intéresse à la dynamique du transfert du phosphore dans un bassin rural de la région lémanique, le bassin versant du Foron (51,5 km2). Nous montrons qu'en établissant, pour les périodes de tarissement, la relation concentration moyenne en phosphore - débit moyen à l'exutoire, il est possible d'évaluer globalement:1) la rétention du P dans le réseau hydrographique lors de ces périodes; 2) la contribution moyenne des sources ponctuelles de P aux exportations du bassin.La rétention est un phénomène temporaire, mais c'est une étape clé de la dynamique du phosphore. Elle crée d'importants stocks de P dans le réseau hydrographique; ces stocks se situent pour l'essentiel au niveau des sédiments comme l'ont montré diverses études antérieures et sont exportés lors des crues. Les quantités stockées à l'issue de longs étiages dépassent souvent largement les exportations enregistrées pendant les plus fortes crues. La rétention s'accompagne d'une transformation partiellement irréversible de la spéciation du phosphore transféré.Ces phénomènes sont pris en compte pour établir des bilans annuels de pollution, et notamment la balance diffus - ponctuel.The effective management of phosphorus in watersheds requires knowledge of the origin and magnitude of phosphorus inputs. However, for large and complex watersheds, it is impossible to determine the phosphorus mass balances by measuring the flow from each source and the rate of transfer of phosphorus originating from upstream. Because of these difficulties, we have developed a strategy based on the measurement of phosphorus mass balances during base flow periods (with no storm-flow, which means with a constant or decreasing flow). This approach was applied to the Foron River watershed (drainage area 51.5 km2, annual average water discharge 0.5 m3 /s).The Foron River, a hillside stream with a torrential flow regime, is a tributary of Lac Léman (a large meso-eutrophic lake also known as Lake Geneva). Land use within the Foron watershed is diverse, with 50% of the watershed area being in a naturally forested area (on steep upland slopes), 36% in agricultural land lying on a gentle relief of moraine deposits (70% permanent pasture and hay meadows, 30% cereal grain crops) and 3% in marshes. The population is scattered amongst four small villages, with an overall density of about 100 inhabitants per km2. Stream flow in the river was continuously monitored and automatically sampled at the outlet from 1990 to 1993. Additional grab samples were taken at various locations, springs, agricultural sub-watersheds and brooks in the naturally forested area. Total suspended solids, soluble total phosphorus, orthophosphate and total phosphorus were determined according to standard methods. In addition, sampling was carried out to determine phosphorus stored in river sediments in places that are known to be temporary sinks for sediments.To validate the efficiency of the approach, we carried out a detailed study of the point sources and the sewage systems in the watershed. Only two-thirds of domestic wastewaters were processed in treatment plants. The minimum load of point source inputs was established to be about 60 kg total P per week and many point sources (that is to say discharged at discrete locations) remained unidentified (i.e., not all households were connected to sewers, farmsteads contributed for unknown quantities of total P).During base flow periods, phosphorus was predominantly soluble and orthophosphate was found throughout the hydrographic network. Particulate phosphorus and suspended matter concentrations were negligible (respectively 0.8 m3 /s, a constant P export regime was reached as all the inputs were transported to the outlet. Consequently, output at the outlet was equal to input into the river. This approach permits the calculation of the total point sources. Knowing the inputs from point sources and the total P export at the outlet, we can calculate the diffuse sources.Significant relationships between weekly mean total-P, soluble-P or orthophosphate concentrations at the outlet and weekly mean discharge were established to validate these observations. The best fit of these measured values didn't follow a standard law of dilution because the dilution effect was attenuated by the antagonist effect due to the increase in P transport inputs from sewage with increasing discharge. ([soluble P]=0.02+ 0.148 Q-1/2 ; n=82; r2 =0.8).During base flow when Q < 0.8 m3 /s, a portion of phosphorus inputs accumulated in the river biota and sediments through deposition, biological uptake and sorption. This accumulation may explain the higher levels of total-P and the easily exchangeable P in the sediments downstream of point source discharges. The efficiency of these storage processes depends not only on water discharge, but also (secondarily) on some characteristics of the antecedent hydrological conditions. We found that the amount stored increased significantly in the weeks following large storm-flows. We assumed that this indicated the effect of an intense exchange of the P loaded sediments with unsaturated sediments that were generated by erosion of natural upstream areas. As in-stream processes alter phosphorus speciation, a part of soluble-P becomes particulate. During storm-flows following base flow periods with a discharge lower than the limit discharge, the stored phosphorus was released from both particulate and soluble forms and exported. We calculated an annual mass balance of soluble phosphorus to evaluate the amount of particulate phosphorus exported at the outlet due to the transformation of phosphorus from soluble to particulate forms. The result obtained suggested that ¼ of particulate-P (1 t per year) resulted from this speciation change.To summarize, analyses of phosphorus mass balances during base flow could lead to a new procedure to evaluate the mean total mass of P originating from point sources, without referring to field surveys. In addition, this procedure allowed the quantification of both total-P storage as well as changes in speciation that occur during transfer of phosphorus in the hydrographic network

Earthworm communities in organic and conventional coffee cultivation.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of organic and conventional coffee crops on biomass, population density and diversity of earthworms, in Lerroville, district of Londrina County, Paraná state, Brazil. Earthworm communities were sampled in three areas with organic coffee cultivation (CO1, CO2 and CO3), two with conventional coffee (CC1 and CC2), and a native forest fragment (MT). The soil of the areas CO1, CC1, and MT was classifi ed as Nitossolo Vermelho (Rhodic Kandiudox), while CO2, CO3, and CC2 were on Latossolo Vermelho (Rhodic Hapludox). Eight samples were taken in each area on two occasions, winter and summer, using the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) method in the 0–20 cm soil layer. The earthworms were handsorted and preserved in 4% formaldehyde, and were later weighed, counted and identifi ed. The highest earthworm biomass, both in winter and summer, occurred in the CO3 area. For population density, the higher numbers of individuals were found in CO1 and CO3. The highest number of species was identifi ed in the organic cultivation. The adoption of organic practices in coffee cultivation favored the diversity, density and biomass of earthworm communities

The multifunctional roles of vegetated strips around and within agricultural fields : A systematic map protocol.

Background: Agriculture and agricultural intensification can have significant negative impacts on the environment, including nutrient and pesticide leaching, spreading of pathogens, soil erosion and reduction of ecosystem services provided by terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. The establishment and management of vegetated strips adjacent to farmed fields (including various field margins, buffer strips and hedgerows) are key mitigation measures for these negative environmental impacts and environmental managers and other stakeholders must often make decisions about how best to design and implement vegetated strips for a variety of different outcomes. However, it may be difficult to obtain relevant, accurate and summarised information on the effects of implementation and management of vegetated strips, even though a vast body of evidence exists on multipurpose vegetated strip interventions within and around fields. To improve the situation, we describe a method for assembling a database of relevant research relating to vegetated strips undertaken in boreo-temperate farming systems (arable, pasture, horticulture, orchards and viticulture). Methods: We will search 13 bibliographic databases, 1 search engine and 37 websites for stakeholder organisations using a predefined and tested search string that focuses on a comprehensive list of vegetated strip synonyms. Non-English language searches in Danish, Finnish, German, Spanish, and Swedish will also be undertaken using a web-based search engine. We will screen search results at title, abstract and full text levels, recording the number of studies deemed non-relevant (with reasons at full text). A systematic map database that displays the meta-data (i.e. descriptive summary information about settings and methods) of relevant studies will be produced following full text assessment. The systematic map database will be displayed as a web-based geographical information system (GIS). The nature and extent of the evidence base will be discussed

Soluble phosphorus dynamics in an agricultural watershed

Both particulate phosphorus (PP) and soluble phosphorus (SP) contribute to the eutrophication of water bodies. This research focuses on the mechanisms and factors controlling SP exports at the watershed scale in a case study located in Southern France. Variability in the P concentrations and fluxes was analysed over a period of 6 years in a 302-ha rural watershed. During most of the hydrological periods, reservoirs and pathways for PP and SP seemed to be different both in time and space; differences were greatest during storm flows of the early wet season. Their high SP fluxes and concentrations were due to the P released from agricultural soils as shown by a P mass balance downstream/upstream. During these flushing periods, soluble forms of P follow a hydrochemical behaviour quite similar to solutes and are transferred in relationship to subsurface flows, as shown by a detailed monitoring of the transition from dry to wet season on an agricultural sub-watershed

The effect of grass buffer strips on phosphorus dynamics - A critical review and synthesis as a basis for application in agricultural landscapes in France. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment

Abstract Recommending the use of &apos;&apos;grass buffer strips&apos;&apos; to control diffuse P transfer has become well accepted among extension advisors, agricultural consultants, planners, and other practitioners that influence the structure of the agricultural landscape. These grassed areas are put in place to capture the P contained in runoff from source fields. They are designed to function as a filter and a sediment trap although it is often unclear what the long-term disposition of the accumulated P may be. The objective of this work was to determine if the available scientific literature justifies the continued recommendation of this approach in the prevention of phosphorus movement from agricultural soils to surface waters. We employed a theoretical analysis of the mechanisms of the buffering effect and the specific behaviour of phosphorus in typical grass buffer strips to establish the critical set of literature applicable to this question. An adequate body of literature exists describing many aspects of P dynamics and the short-term functioning of grass buffer strips over their seasonal cycles. Despite variable results in a diversity of landscape contexts, overall, the use of grass buffer strips appears to provide useful short-term functions in the reduction of P transport to surface waters. Long-term benefits remain questionable given the relatively short-term use of this approach in P reduction and the lack of long-term experimental results, but this current lack of data is not sufficient to deter the continued incorporation of grass buffer strips in the landscape of French agricultural. Additionally, a more comprehensive conceptual model integrating the shortterm functioning of grass buffer strips with seasonal cycles and the long-term consequences of cumulative storage emerged from our synthesis.