Agroscope, Institute for Plant Production Sciences IPS, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland

Evaluation of ecological measures: phosphorus losses due to soil erosion

Within the scope of the evaluation of ecological measures, a case study was carried out in the region of Frienisberg in the canton of Berne in order to determine the relationship between ecological measures taken in agriculture and the phosphorus load in the waters stemming from soil erosion. According to model calculations, in the period from 1998 to 1999, as compared to the period between 1987 and 1989, because of changes in crop rotation and cultivation techniques, the long-term risk of erosion and the resulting phosphorus contamination of the waters, which can be led back to soil erosion, dropped by approx. 27%. In the period from 1988 to 1999, however, as compared to 1987 to 1989, the soil loss measured in the field increased by approx. 22%. This is due to the extraordinary climatic conditions in the period between 1998 and 1999.

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