Soil Characteristics and Hydromorphological Patterns Control Denitrification at the Floodplain Scale

Nitrate pollution in aquatic ecosystems is still a major problem Germany. There great potential to permanently remove nitrate from systems through denitrification as relevant ecosystem function. However, the controlling factors and dimension of are not fully understood due high complexity process. This study presents combined assessment soil rates, physical chemical parameters, hydrological parameters six floodplains four large German rivers, namely Rhine, Elbe, Weser, Main. Based on multivariate statistics, results show that was almost solely controlled by pH. The lab assays showed mean potentials 6.4–11.4 mg N m ?2 h ?1 (pH < 7) 23.0–30.5 > 7). We contend when upscaling these estimates annual rates denitrification, duration average inundation should be incorporated, this accounts for water saturation nutrient supply ? variables denitrification. Results provide evidence can only exploited frequently inundated floodplains. Thus, despite favorable conditions have suffered anthropogenic impacts, lose their importance removal river system. conclude pH lateral connectivity likely key considered estimating an