TITLE:
Seasonal and Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Nutrients in the Hula Valley after Drainage: B: Phosphorus
AUTHORS:
Moshe Gophen
KEYWORDS:
Hula Valley, Peat, Phosphorus, Moisture, Dryness, Redox
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Modern Hydrology,
Vol.15 No.2,
April
7,
2025
ABSTRACT: Among several soil types in the Hula Valley, Peat soil occupies a significant part of the agricultural cultivation area, and Phosphorus is a critical constituent. Cultivation in the Hula Peat land is a critical achievement, whereas phosphorus migration southward into Lake Kinneret is of national concern. Consequently, phosphorus resource sites and spatiotemporal distribution and fluctuations of phosphoric substances are critical for the design of effective management strategies. A long-term record (1994-2024) of spatiotemporal concentration fluctuations in relation to climate (rain capacity) conditions was statistically evaluated. Results emphasized soil moisture as a significant factor affecting phosphorus dynamics. This paper examines the impact of soil moisture on Phosphorus dynamics and management strategies in the post-drainage Hula Valley. The interplay between natural climate variability (rainfall fluctuations) and human activities (irrigation, fertilization) predominantly controls soil moisture levels and consequently affects Phosphorus migration. Four conceptual mechanisms of Phosphorus migration are discussed: Microbial Enzymatic Concept (MEC), Geochemical Moisture Redox Concept (MRC), Alternate Wetting Dryness Concept (WDC), and Agricultural Fertilization Concept (AFC). The previous Hula wetlands and old Lake Hula are present, after drainage, under agricultural management, in which allocation and supply of irrigated water and fertilization regimes are dictated by crop demands. The objective of this paper is to optimize the management design for cultivation practices and prevention of pollutant leakage into Lake Kinneret.