Nitrate leaching assessment in a long-term experiment under supplementary irrigation in humid Argentina
2008
Aparicio, V. | Costa, J.L. | Zamora, M.
Applying high rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to crops has two major disadvantages: (1) the low N fertilizer use efficiency and (2) the loss of N by leaching, which may cause groundwater nitrate (NO₃ ⁻) pollution, especially in humid areas. The objectives of this study were to adjust and validate the LEACH-W model simulations with data observed in the field; to quantify nitrate concentrations in the soil solution; to estimate N loss by leaching; and to determine the moments during the year when greatest nitrate transport events occur beyond the rooting profile. A randomized complete block design with four replications was established on a typic Argiudoll. Crop fertilization treatments consisted of three N rates (0, 100, and 200kgNha⁻¹) using urea and ammonium nitrate solution (UAN) as the N source. Corn (Zea mays L.) was planted and ceramic soil-water suction samplers were installed to depths of 1, 1.5 and 2m. Drainage was estimated by the LEACH-W model, which adjusted very well the actual volume of water in the soil profile. Nitrogen losses were statistically analyzed as repeated measure data, using the PROC MIXED procedure. Losses of nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃ ⁻-N) during the study increased as the rate of N applied increased. At all depths studied, statistically significant higher values were found for 200N compared to 100N and 0N, and for 100N compared to 0N (p <0.001). The greatest NO₃ ⁻-N losses through leaching occurred during crop growth. Significant differences (p <0.05) were found between cropping and fallow in the three treatments and depths studied for seasons 4 and 5; these two seasons produced the highest drainage volumes at all depths.
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