Assessment of uncontrolled runoff of biogenic substances from the Middle Ural small watercourses catchment territories involved into agriculture
Relevance. Dispersed discharge from farming territories negatively affects surface water bodies through increasing of biogenic substances content in their water. Study of the slope runoff formation regularities and assessment of the biogenic substances carry-over from catchment territories of various structures enable to make rating of pollution sources and to develop an effective set of measures aimed at improvement of water quality. Methods. We have conducted field observations concerning the dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds concentration in river waters in dependence on the runoff phase. We have calculated the biogenic elements carry-over from the catchment fragments and from an area unit. Results. We have assessed biogenic load upon small rivers catchment territories resulted from anthropogenic activities and from input of nitrogen and phosphorous from atmosphere. We have received numerical values of the biogenic substances carry-over from the Middle Ural agricultural catchments during the spring high-water periods and summer low-water periods. These values can be used in water protective activities.