The efficiency of forest drainage system sedimentation ponds in the context of water quality
2019
Kalvite, Z., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Libiete, Z., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Klavins, I., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia)
The establishment, maintenance and renovation of forest drainage systems are carried out to ensure the development of high quality forest stands and to secure access to forest resources, but it also poses a risk of erosion and increased discharge of suspended solids and nutrients associated with it. The aim of the study was to analyse the efficiency of standard-sized sedimentation ponds built by JSC ‘Latvia’s State Forests’ for sediment and nutrient retention during and after drainage network maintenance. To assess the efficiency of standard-sized sedimentation ponds six study sites were established and various chemical and physical parameters were measured for three years to evaluate water quality and to estimate runoff of plant nutrients and suspended solids. Sampling was carried out before and during drainage network maintenance and during two years following it. Despite the fact that some effect in reducing suspended solid export from catchments was observed, the results revealed insufficient efficiency of the sedimentation ponds in retaining plant nutrients and eroded matter during and after the drainage network maintenance. Retention of Ntot, N-NO3 sup(-) , P-PO4 sup(3-), N-NH4 sup(+) and DOC was ambiguous. It was concluded that other water protection structures should be considered or different parameters of sedimentation ponds should be used to improve the water quality exiting the drainage systems and entering waterbodies.
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