Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

3000 word limit including spaces Conservation of soil and water resources are intrinsically linked by the nature of sediment dynamics. Soil erosion can lead to a decline in soil health by redistributing or removing organic and nutrient-rich topsoil. Further, the delivery of sediment to surface waterways can result in a decline in water quality through increased turbidity and nutrient loading. Therefore, good conservation and management of soil and water resources requires a solid understanding of sediment dynamics. However, the often diffuse nature of sediment pollution makes it difficult to obtain reliable information about the dominant sources of sediment and nutrients within a watershed. Further, the processes which affect the transfer of sediment from source to sink are poorly understood and difficult to quantify. To address these challenges, I will continue with, and expand on, my current research through a combination of field- and watershed-scale projects. The aim of my research program is to investigate the effects watershed processes on the properties of soil and sediment across the landscape which will lead to improved guidelines for watershed management. My program will investigate causes and consequences of variability in physical, geochemical, and biological properties of soil and sediment at different landscape scales in relation to general land-use as well as small and large geomorphic landscape features (beaver dams to escarpments). In addition to having direct consequences on soil and water quality, this variability in properties of soils and sediments can be used as tracers in a technique known as sediment fingerprinting. This management tool is used to identify sources of sediment within a watershed. However, the utility of this technique depends on our understanding of sediment processes. My proposed research program will lead to continued refinement of sediment fingerprinting, thereby providing a more robust tool for soil and water conservation and management. The proposed research will take place in the Wilson's Creek watershed located along the eastern border of Riding Mountain National park in Western Manitoba. The location of the research will expand the network of monitored watersheds in Manitoba and, more importantly, provide information for an un-managed and non-agricultural watershed. Comparing Wilson's Creek with other watersheds in the region will allow for better understanding of the separate influences of geomorphic features (e.g., Manitoba Escarpment) and agricultural land use practices (e.g., cropping). Further, the proposed research will help inform downstream agricultural producers who have concerns over flooding and excessive sediment production. The proposed research also has a strong training component and will provide funding for 3 MSc and 5 undergraduate students. This training will develop professionals skilled in conservation-based watershed practices that result in improved water and soil quality.