Soil and Lakeshore Ecosystem Quality in Lake Lowell, Canyon County, Idaho
Faculty Mentor Information
Rebecca Flock
Abstract
Lake Lowell, Nampa ID is an area of interest in soil quality due to its multiple uses in agricultural irrigation, local recreation, and wildlife refuge. The use of fertilizers in this area has the possibility of changing soil quality. A change in soil nutrients, erosion, and chemical composition can all influence water quality around Lake Lowell. With the help of equipment use from College of Western Idaho and Boise State University we have been examining chemical composition from previous soil samples from the lakeshore wetland. Phosphates and nitrates levels have been examined throughout the project in quantifying biogeochemical transformations in the area. Carbon levels are also an area of interest as they help produce a healthy soil ecosystem. An unhealthy soil ecosystem could influence eutrophication in addition to an increase in algae blooms and poor water quality. We are seeking to understand the factors that affect soil quality in the Lake Lowell area that may benefit a healthy lakeshore ecosystem.
Soil and Lakeshore Ecosystem Quality in Lake Lowell, Canyon County, Idaho
Lake Lowell, Nampa ID is an area of interest in soil quality due to its multiple uses in agricultural irrigation, local recreation, and wildlife refuge. The use of fertilizers in this area has the possibility of changing soil quality. A change in soil nutrients, erosion, and chemical composition can all influence water quality around Lake Lowell. With the help of equipment use from College of Western Idaho and Boise State University we have been examining chemical composition from previous soil samples from the lakeshore wetland. Phosphates and nitrates levels have been examined throughout the project in quantifying biogeochemical transformations in the area. Carbon levels are also an area of interest as they help produce a healthy soil ecosystem. An unhealthy soil ecosystem could influence eutrophication in addition to an increase in algae blooms and poor water quality. We are seeking to understand the factors that affect soil quality in the Lake Lowell area that may benefit a healthy lakeshore ecosystem.