Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Nitrogen Mobilization in Residential Lawns

Suchy, Amanda K.; Groffman, Peter M.; Band, Lawrence E.; Duncan, J. M.; Gold, Arthur J.; Grove, J. Morgan; Locke, Dexter H.; Templeton, Laura; Zhang, Ruoyu

doi:10.1007/s10021-023-00848-y

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…In addition to improving predictions of in-stream NO3concentration, the simulated denitrification rates in lawns fell in the range of empirically estimated rates at BARN (Suchy et al, 2023) and other areas in Baltimore (Raciti et al, 2011). Among all hot spots, the constructed wetland and sediment accumulation zone at the base of the gully exhibited the highest denitrification rates within the entire watershed, both before and after considering fertilization and septic processes.…”

Section: Nitrogen Concentrations and Loadsmentioning

confidence: 83%

“…POBR serves as a forest control site without human water and nutrient additions. Finally, we have previously measured N stores and cycling rates, including lawn soil NO3content and denitrification rates in BARN (Suchy et al, 2023), sites on the campus of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (Raciti et al, 2011), and other sites in the region (Groffman et al, 2009). Atmospheric N deposition was estimated as 11 kg N/ha/year.…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Simulation of spatially distributed sources, transport, and transformation of nitrogen from fertilization and septic system in an exurban watershed

Zhang,

Band,

Groffman

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Abstract. Excess export of reactive nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO3–) export from exurban watersheds is a major source of water quality degradation and threatens the health of downstream and coastal waterbodies. Ecosystem restoration and best management practices (BMPs) can be introduced to reduce in-stream NO3– loads by promoting vegetation uptake and denitrification on uplands. However, accurately evaluating the effectiveness of these practices and setting regulations for nitrogen inputs requires an understanding of how human sources of nitrogen interact with ecohydrological systems. We evaluated how the spatial and temporal distribution of nitrogen sources, and the transport and transformation processes along hydrologic flowpaths control nitrogen cycling, export, and the development of “hot spots” of nitrogen flux in suburban ecosystems. We chose a well-monitored exurban watershed, Baisman Run in Baltimore County, Maryland, USA, to evaluate patterns of in-stream NO3– concentrations and upland nitrogen-related processes in response to three common activities: irrigation, fertilization, and on-site sanitary wastewater disposal (septic systems). We augmented a distributed ecohydrological model, RHESSys, with estimates of these additional loads to improve prediction and understanding of the factors generating both upland nitrogen cycling and stream NO3– concentrations. The augmented model predicted streamflow-weighted NO3– concentrations of 1.37 mg NO3–-N/L, compared to observed 1.44 mg NO3–-N/L, while the model predicted concentrations of 0.28 mg NO3–-N /L without the additional loads from human activities from water year 2013 to 2017. Estimated denitrification rates in grass lawns, a dominant land cover in suburban landscapes, were in the range of measured values. The highest predicted denitrification rates were downslope of lawn and septic locations in a constructed wetland, and at a sediment accumulation zone at the base of a gully receiving street drainage. These locations illustrate the development of hot spots for nitrogen cycling and export in both planned and “accidental” retention features. Appropriate siting of best BMPs and the identification of spontaneously developed nutrient hot spots should be pursued to retain nutrients and improve water quality.

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Section: Nitrogen Concentrations and Loadsmentioning

confidence: 83%

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulation of spatially distributed sources, transport, and transformation of nitrogen from fertilization and septic system in an exurban watershed

Zhang,

Band,

Groffman

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…( 34 ). Actual source/sink dynamics measurements were made during simulated rainfall events ( 35 ) in four separate field campaigns. Sampling encompassed comparisons of different topographic positions within both front and back yard lawns because prior research had identified different motivations, practices, and vegetation in front and back yards ( 9 , 38–41 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We addressed these objectives with coupled hydrologic, biogeochemical, and social science data for lawns and residential landscapes in the Baltimore, MD, USA, metropolitan area. Detailed measurements of water and nitrogen export were made on fertilized and unfertilized individual parcels in suburban, exurban, and institutional settings in the study region ( 34 , 35 ). At the same time, extensive telephone and push-to-web surveys were carried out to quantify patterns of household fertilizer use and related behaviors such as lawn conversions to rain gardens or conservation landscaping ( 36 , 37 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydro-bio-geo-socio-chemical interactions and the sustainability of residential landscapes

Groffman,

Suchy,

Locke

et al. 2023

PNAS Nexus

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Residential landscapes are essential to the sustainability of large areas of the United States. However, spatial and temporal variation across multiple domains complicates developing policies to balance these systems’ environmental, economic, and equity dimensions. We conducted multidisciplinary studies in the Baltimore, MD, USA, metropolitan area to identify locations (hotspots) or times (hot moments) with a disproportionate influence on nitrogen export, a widespread environmental concern. Results showed high variation in the inherent vulnerability/sensitivity of individual parcels to cause environmental damage and in the knowledge and practices of individual managers. To the extent that hotspots are the result of management choices by homeowners, there are straightforward approaches to improve outcomes, e.g. fertilizer restrictions and incentives to reduce fertilizer use. If, however, hotspots arise from the configuration and inherent characteristics of parcels and neighborhoods, efforts to improve outcomes may involve more intensive and complex interventions, such as conversion to alternative ecosystem types.

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Nitrogen availability and denitrification in urban agriculture and regreened vacant lots

Conrad,

Marinos

2024

Urban Ecosyst

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Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Nitrogen Mobilization in Residential Lawns

Cited by 5 publications

References 58 publications

Simulation of spatially distributed sources, transport, and transformation of nitrogen from fertilization and septic system in an exurban watershed

Simulation of spatially distributed sources, transport, and transformation of nitrogen from fertilization and septic system in an exurban watershed

Hydro-bio-geo-socio-chemical interactions and the sustainability of residential landscapes

Nitrogen availability and denitrification in urban agriculture and regreened vacant lots

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