Nutrient Load to Water Team
The team studies soil processes with a view to determining nutrient leaching from agricultural soils to water courses. Agriculture is the largest single source of both phosphorus and nitrogen loads to Finnish lakes, rivers and coastal waters.
The aim of the research is to minimize leaching to a level tolerable in water courses. The amount of nutrient losses as well as the potential loading induced in water are quantified on a field scale under different cultivation techniques and crop management. In connection with the research projects, the team develops analytical procedures for runoff water samples.
The team works closely with environmental and agricultural administration in developing laws and programmes for water protection and in adapting those into agriculture in an optimal way. Moreover, the team co- ordinates and participates in follow-up programmes which assess the effects of the Finnish agri-environmental programme on nutrient loading to waters on a national level.
The team is headed by Dr Eila Turtola.
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