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Abstract Relative to their limited areal extent, riparian ecosystems are disproportionately important in regulating inorganic solute export from agricultural landscapes. We investigated spatial patterns of solute concentrations in surface and ground waters of stream corridors to infer the dominant hydrologic transport and biogeochemical pathways that influence riparian nitrate and sulfate processing from uplands to streams. We selected three reaches of stream corridors draining an agricultural landscape that vary in hydrologic connection with upland aquifers. Non‐irrigated crop production dominates land use in the study area and influences the quality of upland groundwater draining to the stream corridors. We interpret patterns in solute concentrations of riparian groundwater and stream water relative to upland groundwater to infer the influences of biogeochemical processing and hydrologic connectivity. Excess nitrate from cultivated soils is evident in upland groundwater concentrations that consistently exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency public drinking water standard. Nitrate and oxygen concentrations in riparian groundwaters were consistently lower than in terrace groundwater and adjacent stream waters, suggesting rapid consumption of oxygen and influence of anaerobic metabolic reduction processes in subsurface flow. Sulfate concentrations in streams were higher than in terrace groundwater, likely due to weathering of shale‐derived substrate in riparian aquifers. The degree of solute mitigation or augmentation by riparian biogeochemical processes depended on the geomorphic context that controlled the fraction of upland water passing through the riparian substrate. Observed net nitrate losses with net sulfate gains from uplands to stream channels reflect flow paths through a complex distribution of redox conditions throughout the riparian areas, emphasizing the importance of considering riparian area heterogeneity in predicting solute export in streams. This research contributes to understanding how stream corridor substrate and geomorphic context controls the biogeochemical and hydrologic processes influencing the quality of water exported from agricultural landscapes. 

Abstract As we build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in the ecological research community, we must work to support new ecologists by empowering them with the knowledge, tools, validation, and sense of belonging in ecology to succeed. Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) are critical for a student's professional and interpersonal skill development and key for recruiting and retaining students from diverse groups to ecology. However, few resources exist that speak directly to an undergraduate researcher on the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) dimensions of embarking on a first research experience. Here, we write primarily for undergraduate readers, though a broader audience of readers, especially URE mentors, will also find this useful. We explain many of the ways a URE benefits undergraduate researchers and describe how URE students from different positionalities can contribute to an inclusive research culture. We address three common sources of anxiety for URE students through a DEI lens: imposter syndrome, communicating with mentors, and safety in fieldwork. We discuss the benefits as well as the unique vulnerabilities and risks associated with fieldwork, including the potential for harassment and assault. Imposter syndrome and toxic field experiences are known to drive students, including students from underrepresented minority groups, out of STEM. Our goal is to encourage all students, including those from underrepresented groups, to apply for UREs, build awareness of their contributions to inclusion in ecology research, and provide strategies for overcoming known barriers.