Leaching of Nitrate-N (NO3-N) from cropped and fallow soil - a lysimeter study with ambient and imposed rainfall regimes

Authors

  • Michael Ryan Teagasc
  • Marie Sherwood EPA,
  • Aidan Fanning Teagasc,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2001.287

Abstract

A three-year investigation into the effects of nitrogen (N) fertiliser rates and rainfall on nitrate-N (NO3-N) leaching from spring barley and Fallow was carried out in a lysimeter unit. The soil was well drained, moderately deep and similar to soils used to grow cereals in Ireland. Levels of fertiliser N applied were in the range 0-120kg per ha with rainfall amounts varying from 90 to 159 percent of ambient. The Fallow treatment resulted in large removals of N in the drainage water with high concentrations of NO3-N. The load of N removed in the water draining from the barley crop was, in general terms, related to drainage volume (R2=~0.7) while NO3-N concentrations, where N was applied, were inversely related to drainage volume (R2=0.6). Mean NO3-N concentration in drainage water from barley receiving fertiliser N was >MAC in two years out of three. The relative importance of the results to the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and possible mitigation strategies are discussed.

Author Biographies

Michael Ryan, Teagasc

Johnstown Castle Research Centre, Wexford

Marie Sherwood, EPA,

Wexford

Aidan Fanning, Teagasc,

Johnstown Castle Research Centre, Wexford

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Published

2014-12-23

How to Cite

Ryan, M., Sherwood, M., & Fanning, A. (2014). Leaching of Nitrate-N (NO3-N) from cropped and fallow soil - a lysimeter study with ambient and imposed rainfall regimes. Irish Geography, 34(1), 34–49. https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2001.287

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 1 (2001): Issue 1

Section

Original Articles

URN

http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:irg:ie:0000-igj.v34i1.2878

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