Chesapeak Bay Pollution: Assessing Soil Surface Particle Movement in Managed Grassland in the Cacapon Watershed WV.

Sediment quality depends directly on the sediment source. Sediment found in rivers and streams could be originated from fields, ravines, bluffs, and streambanks. To understand the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay it is necessary to study the quantity, and the quality of the sediments that are produced in the Cacapon (WV) and related watersheds. In this study, a method to assess surface soil organic matter (SOM) movement through the measurement of erosion transported soil particles was tested. The hypothesis was that transect and geostatistical analysis, in addition to soil stratified sampling will aid in the determination of soil particle and SOM movement caused by erosion from neighboring fields into the Cacapon River. Three 100m transects were placed in managed pasture beef fields draining in the direction of the Cacapon River. Soil samples were taken at a 4m interval, and stratified in depth 0-2.5cm, 2.5-5cm, and 5-10cm. Textural analysis, SOM, and water soluble phosphorus were determined at each depth and location. Results showed textural and chemical differences between the 0-2.5cm, 2.5– 5cm and 5-10cm depth which may be caused by surface processes such as erosion. Transect analysis indicated possible movement of SOM and fine materials into the river, which may be related to additional soil nutrients movement into the river. Variography supported transect analysis results for SOM and fine sand; 0-2.5cm SOM and 0.106-0.25mm sand showed a lower spatial variance and higher spatial continuity than 5-10cm SOM and 0.106-0.25mm sand, indicating surface transport process. Transect and spatial analysis of soil stratified texture and SOM supported the hypothesis of surface particle movement in the Cacapon Watershed.  It would be possible to conclude that in time, soil surface materials movement even in low sloping alluvial pasture soils could transport organic particles and soil nutrients to the river and increase pollution.