Phosphorus flux from wetland ditch sediments Original Research Article

The accumulation of phosphorus (P) in the bottom sediment of field drainage ditches poses a threat to the ecology both of the ditch water and downstream water courses. We investigated the amounts, forms and internal loading of sediment-bound P along two drainage ditches that regulate water levels in a basin fen (~ 200 ha) supporting a mixture of restored wetland and drained agricultural fields. Water levels in the Ladyʹs Drove Rhyne are currently managed to enhance the biodiversity of the wetland (Catcott Lows Reserve — an area formerly cultivated for arable crop production); whereas, the East Ditch is managed to drain adjoining land that remains under arable and livestock production.