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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Algal Problems Of The Estuary, E. P. Hodgkin, P. B. Birch
Algal Problems Of The Estuary, E. P. Hodgkin, P. B. Birch
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
The Peel-Harvey esturine system study began in 1976 because people living near Peel Inlet complained about the accumulation of water weeds and algae on the shores and the smell of hydrogen sulphide (rotton egg gas) that resulted from their decomposition. From 1974 efforts had been made to control this 'algal problem' by raking up the weed with tractors and carting it away. This 'cosmetic activity had little impact on the problem.
The immediate cause was obvious: a carpet of green algae covering about 20square kilometres of the bottom of Peel Inlet. From time to time this 'goat weed' floated to …
The Extension Programme, W K. Russell, G. K. Palmer
The Extension Programme, W K. Russell, G. K. Palmer
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
From the start of the Peel-harvey study in 1976, scientific research and extension have been closely linked. Trials, some involving major drainage works, have been set up on about 30 farms and several field days and seminars have been held.
The Peel-Harvey Study Group anticipates that farmer acceptance of the Department of agriculture's recommendations will reduce the phosphorus input to the estuary by 30 to 40 per cent over the next three to five years. At the same time farmers will benefit from modified cultural practices better suited to the sandy soils of the coastal plain.
Soil Types And Drainage, Eric Bettenay, N. J. Schofield
Soil Types And Drainage, Eric Bettenay, N. J. Schofield
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
At least 90 per cent of the phosphorus entering the Peel-Harvey estuarine system comes from land cleared for agriculture, most of it from the coastal plain. These soils are naturally deficient on phosphorus and sulfur and this is supplied in superphosphate, which contains about 10 per cent phosphorus and 1 percent sulphur.
However, rain leaches some of this applied phosphorus from the land into drains and rivers which flow into the estuary. In 1981, farmers in the Harvey River-Mayfields Drain catchment lost the equivalent of 1,300 tonnes of superphosphate into the estuary. Between them they have in effect spent $120,000 …
The Soil Phosphorus Store, G S P Ritchie, D. M. Weaver
The Soil Phosphorus Store, G S P Ritchie, D. M. Weaver
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
The management of the soil phosphorus store, or 'super bank' to minimise phosphorus leaching losses is a vital part of any strategy to reduce algal pollution of the Peel-Harvey estuary.
Phosphorus can exist in the soil in four main 'pools'. it may occur in the soil solution or in one of the three pools that contain phosphorus in solid forms. This phosphorus can be in compounds (fertilisers, dead plant material); adsorbed (attached) to soil particles such as organic matter, clay and iron oxide; or as constituents of micro-organisms.