The Performances of Sediment Trap for Reducing Water Pollutants and Soil Loss from Rainfall Runoff in Cropland

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An intensive farming system may be of the most important source for agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution, which is a major concern for agricultural water management in South Korea. Various management practices have therefore been applied to reduce NPS loads from upland fields. This study presents performances of sediment trap for reducing NPS and soil loss from rainfall runoff in cropland. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 2018 and 2019, three sediment traps (L1.5 m × W1.0 m × D0.5 m = 0.75 m 3 ) and their controls were established in the end of sloped (ca. 3%) upland field planted with maize crops. Over the seasons, runoff water was monitored, collected, and analyzed at every runoff. Soils deposited in sediment traps were collected and weighed at the season end. Sediment traps reduced runoff amount (p<0.05) and NPS concentrations, though the decreased NPS concentrations were not always statistically significant. In addition, sediment traps had a significant prevention effect on soil loss from rainfall runoff in a sloped cropland. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the sediment trap could be a powerful and the best management practice to reduce NPS pollution and soil loss in a sloped upland field.