N-Application Methods and Precipitation Pattern Effects on Subsurface Drainage Nitrate Losses and Crop Yields

Diverting the infiltrating water away from the zone of N application can reduce nitrate–nitrogen (NO₃–N) leaching losses to groundwater from agricultural fields. This study was conducted from 2001 through 2005 to determine the effects of N-application methods using a localized compaction and doming (LCD) applicator and spoke injector on NO₃–N leaching losses to subsurface drainage water and corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) yields. The field experiments were conducted at the Iowa State University’s northeastern research center near Nashua, Iowa, on corn–soybean rotation plots under chisel plow system having subsurface drainage ‘tile’ system installed in 1979. The soils at the site are glacial till derived soils. The N-application rates of 168 kg-N ha^?1 were applied to corn only for both the treatments each replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. For combined 5 years, the LCD N-applicator in comparison with spoke injector showed lower flow weighted NO₃–N concentrations in tile water (16.8 vs. 20.1 mg L^?1) from corn plots, greater tile flow (66 vs. 49 mm), almost equivalent NO₃–N leaching loss with tile water (11.5 vs. 11.3 kg-N ha^?1) and similar corn grain yields (11.17 vs. 11.37 Mg ha^?1), respectively, although treatments effects were found to be non-significant (p?=?0.05) statistically. The analysis, however, revealed that amount and temporal distribution of the growing season precipitation also affected the tile flow, NO₃–N leaching loss to subsurface drain water, and corn–soybean yields. Moreover, the spatial variability effects from plot to plot in some cases, resulted in differences of tile flow and NO₃–N leaching losses in the range of three to four times despite being treated with the same management practices. These results indicate that the LCD N-applicator in comparison with spoke injector resulted in lower flow weighted NO₃–N concentrations in subsurface drain water of corn plots; however, strategies need to be developed to reduce the offsite transport of nitrate leaching losses during early spring period from March through June.     

Relationships between microbial biomass nitrogen,nitrate leaching and nitrogen uptake by corn in a compost and chemical fertilizer-amended regosol

Abstract

To determine the relationships between microbial biomass nitrogen (N), nitrate–nitrogen leaching (NO₃-N leaching) and N uptake by plants, a field experiment and a soil column experiment were conducted. In the field experiment, microbial biomass N, 0.5 mol L^?1 K₂SO₄ extractable N (extractable N), NO₃-N leaching and N uptake by corn were monitored in sawdust compost (SDC: 20 Mg ha^?1 containing 158 kg N ha^?1 of total N [approximately 50% is easily decomposable organic N]), chemical fertilizer (CF) and no fertilizer (NF) treatments from May 2000 to September 2002. In the soil column experiment, microbial biomass N, extractable N and NO₃-N leaching were monitored in soil treated with SDC (20 Mg ha^?1) + rice straw (RS) at five different application rates (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 Mg ha^?1 containing 0, 15, 29, 44 and 59 kg N ha^?1) and in soil treated with CF in 2001. Nitrogen was applied as (NH₄)₂SO₄ at rates of 220 kg N ha^?1 for SDC and SDC + RS treatments and at a rate of 300 kg N ha^?1 for the CF treatment in both experiments. In the field experiment, microbial biomass N in the SDC treatment increased to 147 kg N ha^?1 at 7 days after treatment (DAT) and was maintained at 60–70 kg N ha^?1 after 30 days. Conversely, microbial biomass N in the CF treatment did not increase significantly. Extractable N in the surface soil increased immediately after treatment, but was found at lower levels in the SDC treatment compared to the CF treatment until 7 DAT. A small amount of NO₃-N leaching was observed until 21 DAT and increased markedly from 27 to 42 DAT in the SDC and CF treatments. Cumulative NO₃-N leaching in the CF treatment was 146 kg N ha^?1, which was equal to half of the applied N, but only 53 kg N ha^?1 in the SDC treatment. In contrast, there was no significant difference between N uptake by corn in the SDC and CF treatments. In the soil column experiment, microbial biomass N in the SDC + RS treatment at 7 DAT increased with increased RS application. Conversely, extractable N at 7 DAT and cumulative NO₃-N leaching until 42 DAT decreased with increased RS application. In both experiments, microbial biomass N was negatively correlated with extractable N at 7 DAT and cumulative NO₃-N leaching until 42 DAT, and extractable N was positively correlated with cumulative NO₃-N leaching. We concluded that microbial biomass N formation in the surface soil decreased extractable N and, consequently, contributed to decreasing NO₃-N leaching without impacting negatively on N uptake by plants.     

Nitrate leaching in an organic dairy/crop rotationas affected by organic manure type, livestock densityand crop

Abstract. In dairy farming systems the risk of nitrate leaching is increased by mixed rotations (pasture/arable) and the use of organic manure. We investigated the effect of four organic farming systems with different livestock densities and different types of organic manure on crop yields, nitrate leaching and N balance in an organic dairy/crop rotation (barley–grass-clover–grass-clover–barley/pea–winter wheat–fodder beet) from 1994 to 1998. Nitrate concentrations in soil water extracted by ceramic suction cups ranged from below 1 mg NO₃-N l^?1 in 1^st year grass-clover to 20–50 mg NO₃-N l^?1 in the winter following barley/pea and winter wheat. Peaks of high nitrate concentrations were observed in 2^nd year grass-clover, probably due to urination by grazing cattle. Nitrate leaching was affected by climatic conditions (drainage volume), livestock density and time since ploughing in of grass-clover. No difference in nitrate leaching was observed between the use of slurry alone and farmyard manure from deep litter housing in combination with slurry. Increasing the total-N input to the rotation by 40 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 (from 0.9 to 1.4 livestock units ha^?1) only increased leaching by 6 kg NO₃-N ha^?1. Nitrate leaching was highest in the second winter (after winter wheat) following ploughing in of the grass-clover (61 kg NO₃-N ha^?1). Leaching losses were lowest in 1^st year grass-clover (20 kg NO₃-N ha^?1). Averaged over the four years, nitrate concentration in drainage water was 57 mg l^?1. Minimizing leaching losses requires improved utilization of organic N accumulated in grazed grass-clover pastures. The N balance for the crop rotation as a whole indicated that accumulation of N in soil organic matter in the fields of these systems was small.     

Comparing Nitrate-N Losses through Leaching by Field Measurements and Nitrogen Balance Estimations

Nitrogen (N) balance method is a valuable tool for estimating N losses. However, this technique could lead to incorrect estimates of the amount of nitrate (NO₃^?N) leaching if processes relevant to N losses are not considered properly. The aim of this study was to compare NO₃^?-N leaching losses estimated using an N balance (nonrecovered N, Nne) with data of NO₃^?-N leaching losses (Nl). The experiment was made on a Typic Argiudoll soil planted with corn (five growing seasons) under 0, 100, and 200 kg N ha^?1. The ceramic soil-water suction samplers were installed (1 m deep). Drainage was estimated by the LEACH-W model. The greatest overestimation with the N balance method occurred for years with annual rainfall below the historical average and at times of high NO₃^?-N availability. Future research should focus on investigating mechanisms of N losses relevant under limited water availability.     

Crop Utilization of Nitrogen in Swine Lagoon Sludge

Swine lagoon sludge is commonly applied to soil as a source of nitrogen (N) for crop production but the fate of applied N not recovered from the soil by the receiver crop has received little attention. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the yield and N accumulation responses of corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) to different levels of N applied as swine lagoon sludge, (2) quantify recovery of residual N accumulation by the second and third crops after sludge application, and (3) evaluate the effect of different sludge N rates on nitrate (NO₃-N) concentrations in the soil. Sludge N trials were conducted with wheat on two swine farms and with corn on one swine farm in the coastal plain of North Carolina. Agronomic optimum N rates for wheat grown at two locations was 360 kg total sludge N ha^?1 and the optimum N rate for corn at one location was 327 kg total sludge N ha^?1. Residual N recovered by subsequent wheat and corn crops following the corn crop that received lagoon sludge was 3 and 12 kg N ha^?1, respectively, on a whole-plant basis and 2 and 10 kg N ha^?1, respectively, on a grain basis at the agronomic optimum N rate for corn (327 kg sludge N ha^?1). From the 327 kg ha^?1 of sludge N applied to corn, 249 kg N ha^?1 were not recovered after harvest of three crops for grain. Accumulation in recalcitrant soil organic N pools, ammonia (NH₃) volatilization during sludge application, return of N in stover/straw to the soil, and leaching of NO₃ from the root zone probably account for much of the nonutilized N. At the agronomic sludge N rate for corn (327 kg N ha^?1), downward movement of NO₃-N through the soil was similar to that for the 168 kg N ha^?1 urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) treatment. Thus, potential N pollution of groundwater by land application of lagoon sludge would not exceed that caused by UAN application.     

Nitrate leaching,nitrous oxide emission and N use efficiency of aerobic rice under different N application strategy

A field study was conducted in the sub-humid tropical region of India to examine the effect of different nitrogen (N) management strategies on nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission and N use efficiency in aerobic rice. Treatments were: control (no N), 120 kg N ha^?1 applied as prilled urea (PU) in conventional method, 120 kg N ha^?1 applied as neem coated urea (NCU) in conventional method, N applied as PU on the basis of leaf colour chart (LCC) reading, N applied as NCU on the basis of LCC reading, and 120 kg N ha^?1 applied as PU and farm yard manure (FYM) in 1:1 ratio. Results showed that 3.4–16.1 kg NO₃-N ha^?1 was leached below 45 cm depth and 0.61–1.12 kg N₂O-N ha^?1 was emitted from aerobic rice during the growing season. NCU when applied conventionally reduced nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) leaching and N₂O emission by 18.6% and 21.4%, respectively However when applied on the basis of LCC reading NCU reduced NO₃-N leaching by 39.8% as compared to PU applied in conventional method. NCU when applied on the basis of LCC reading synchronized N supply with demand and reduced N loss, which resulted in higher yield and N use efficiency.     

Nitrogen source and application method impact on corn yield and nutrient uptake

Farmers are looking for better management practices to utilize animal manure as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to study the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer source and application methods to Nicholson silt loam soil in central Kentucky, USA for no-till corn (Zea mays) production. The region has a temperate climate with a mean temperature of 14.5°C and rainfall of 1300 mm year^?1. Treatments included a control, 179 kg N ha^?1 urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) applied as preplant and sidedress, and swine effluent that was applied by three methods: broadcast, injection, and Aerway. Injection method produced the greatest corn grain yield (11.88 Mg ha^?1) and biomass yield (18.9 Mg ha^?1) in 2007. Results demonstrated that the effluent application methods and the timing of UAN application may not be agronomically important for corn production in this region. Hence, more studies are needed on different soils in this region.     

Nitrate leaching loss under annual and perennial pastures with and without lime on a duplex (texture contrast) soil in humid southeastern Australia

Mineral N accumulates in autumn under pastures in southeastern Australia and is at risk of leaching as nitrate during winter. Nitrate leaching loss and soil mineral N concentrations were measured under pastures grazed by sheep on a duplex (texture contrast) soil in southern New South Wales from 1994 to 1996. Legume (Trifolium subterraneum)‐based pastures contained either annual grass (Lolium rigidum) or perennial grasses (Phalaris aquatica and Dactylis glomerata), and had a control (soil pH 4.1 in 0.01 m CaCl₂) or lime treatment (pH 5.5). One of the four replicates was monitored for surface runoff and subsurface flow (the top of the B horizon), and solution NO₃^– concentrations. The soil contained more mineral N in autumn (64–133 kg N ha^?1 to 120 cm) than in spring (51–96 kg N ha^?1), with NO₃^– comprising 70–77%. No NO₃^– leached in 1994 (475 mm rainfall). In 1995 (697 mm rainfall) and 1996 (666 mm rainfall), the solution at 20 cm depth and subsurface flow contained 20–50 mg N l^?1 as NO₃^– initially but < 1 mg N l^?1 by spring. Nitrate‐N concentrations at 120 cm ranged between 2 and 22 mg N l^?1 during winter. Losses of NO₃^– were small in surface runoff (0–2 kg N ha^?1 year^?1). In 1995, 9–19 kg N ha^?1 was lost in subsurface flow. Deep drainage losses were 3–12 kg N ha^?1 in 1995 and 4–10 kg N ha^?1 in 1996, with the most loss occurring under limed annual pasture. Averaged over 3 years, N losses were 9 and 15 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 under control and limed annual pastures, respectively, and 6 and 8 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 under control and limed perennial pastures. Nitrate losses in the wet year of 1995 were 22, 33, 13 and 19 kg N ha^?1 under the four respective pastures. The increased loss of N caused by liming was of a similar amount to the decreased N loss by maintaining perennial pasture as distinct from an annual pasture.     

Residual soil nitrogen credits for corn production along the upper Texas Gulf Coast region

Studies were conducted to evaluate response of dryland corn (Zea mays L.) along the upper Texas Gulf Coast to residual soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) measured to depths of 15, 30, and 61 cm. Residual soil NO₃-N levels ranged from 3.4 to 31.6, 7.8 to 49.3, and 9.0 to 71.7 kg ha^?1, respectively, in 0 to 15, 15 to 30, and 30 to 61 cm depth increments, with cumulative NO₃-N ranging from 23.5 to 114.5 kg ha^?1 across sites-years. Where N fertilizer was reduced due to N crediting, yields and bushel weights at all 13 site-years showed no difference from those receiving full recommended N rates. A yield response to any level of added fertilizer N above the control was observed for only 6 of 13 site-years. These results indicate a high potential for success in crediting carryover soil NO₃-N to 61 cm as a means of reducing applied nitrogen fertilizer rates.     

Nitrate Dynamic in a Tropical Mollisol Amended with Organic Manures,Planted with Sweet Corn,and Monitored with SPAD Readings

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of relative chlorophyll content (RCC) in sweet corn leaves as an indicator of nitrate concentration in soil. Study objectives were (1) to evaluate the effect of manure types (chicken and dairy), rates (0, 168, 336, and 672 kg ha^?1 equivalent N), and application frequency (one and two applications) of organic amendments on (a) nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) concentration within and below the crop root zone and (b) the RCC of sweet corn leaves and (2) to quantify the relationship between RCC and NO₃-N concentrations. The results showed a significant increase in NO₃-N concentrations within and below the root zone and plant leaf RCC under chicken manure treatments. Manure application rates and frequency had a significant effect on both NO₃-N concentration within and below the root zone and leaf RCC. It appears that leaf RCC can be used as an indicator of NO₃-N availability for sweet corn cultivated under the study conditions.     

Nitrate leaching in an Atlantic Coastal Plain soil amended with poultry manure or urea-ammonium nitrate: Influence of thiosulfate

Nitrate leaching, which can lead to groundwater contamination, is a common occurrence, especially in sandy, well drained soils. Nitrogen from poultry manure (PM) and ammonium fertilizers has been shown to undergo rapid nitrification upon addition to soils, making it highly susceptible to nitrate leaching. Any management technique that could delay nitrification and thereby reduce nitrate leaching would be desirable. Ammonium thiosulfate has been shown to be an effective nitrification inhibitor in laboratory studies and may be useful in reducing nitrate leaching. Soil columns, 75 cm long and inner diameter 19.6 cm, were packed with a reconstituted profile of a Rumford loamy sand and amended with urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) or PM. Corn was grown in the columns to create a dynamic soil/plant system. Columns were placed in a greenhouse and were leached periodically for a period of 10 weeks with deionized water in amounts intended to simulate early spring and summer rainfall patterns in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Column leachates, as well as plant and soil samples were collected and analyzed for NO₃-N and NH₄-N. Nitrate-N leaching was largely dependent upon the amount of water moving through the system. Ammonium thiosulfate did not significantly decrease NO₃-N leaching or increase plant N uptake when used in combination with UAN or PM. Comparable amounts of NO₃-N leaching were observed for the UAN and the PM treated column. Additionally, large amounts of NO₃-N leaching were observed with the control columns, suggesting that residual soil N from previous crops can contribute significantly to NO₃-N leaching and may deserve further investigation.     

Utilization of waste office paper to reduce nitrate leaching into the Northern Guam aquifer

 Rapid nitrate leaching losses due to current agricultural N management practices under the humid tropical environmental conditions of the Pacific island of Guam may contaminate fresh and salt water resources. Potential environmental contamination of the Northern Guam aquifer, which is overlain by shallow limestone-derived soils, is a major public concern because the aquifer is the sole underground source of fresh water for the island. The objectives of this study were to examine the use of waste office paper as a possible management alternative for reducing nitrate leaching due to N fertilizer applications in northern Guam while also providing sufficient N for crop growth. In a laboratory study, increasing rates of waste paper application reduced NO₃ ^–-N leaching up to approximately 200 days after incorporation of N fertilizer and paper treatments. Subsequent mineralization of immobilized N from paper applications was also observed, although cumulative NO₃ ^–-N leaching at the highest rate of paper addition was lower than the control after 394 days of incubation. The effect of waste paper on N availability and NO₃ ^–-N leaching after application of N fertilizer at rates up to 500 kg N ha^–1 was also evaluated in two field experiments planted with sweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa Bonaf.) during consecutive dry and wet periods. Leaching losses of NO₃ ^–-N were higher during the wet cropping season, leading to lower crop yields and crop N uptake. Combining paper with N fertilizer reduced NO₃ ^–-N leaching losses but also decreased crop ear yields up to N fertilizer application rates of 250 kg N ha^–1 during the dry cropping season and up to rates of 100 kg N ha^–1 during the wet period. Although combining waste paper with N fertilizer reduced NO₃ ^–-N leaching losses, no improvements in fertilizer N recovery were observed during the field experiments. This lack of crop response may be due to the importance of early season N availability for the short-season horticultural crops grown on Guam. We suggest that the application of waste paper may be a useful management practice to reduce NO₃ ^–-N leaching losses when high soil NO₃ ^–-N levels remain after cropping due either to crop failure or to over-application of N fertilizer. Received: 11 May 1999     

Effects of form of effluent,season and urease inhibitor on ammonia volatilization from dairy farm effluent applied to pasture

Purpose

With land application of farm effluents from cows during housing or milking as an accepted practice, there are increasing concerns over its effect on nitrogen (N) loss through ammonia (NH₃) volatilization. Understanding the relative extent and seasonal variation of NH₃ volatilization from dairy effluent is important for the development of management practices for reducing NH₃ losses. The objectives of this study were to determine potential NH₃ losses from application of different types of dairy effluent (including both liquid farm dairy effluent (FDE) and semi-solid dairy farm manure) to a pasture soil during several contrasting seasons and to evaluate the potential of the urease inhibitor (UI)—N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBTPT, commercially named Agrotain^®) to reduce gaseous NH₃ losses.

Material and methods

Field plot trials were conducted in New Zealand on an established grazed pasture consisting of a mixed perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)/white clover (Trifolium repens L.) sward. An enclosure method, with continuous air flow, was used to compare the effects of treatments on potential NH₃ volatilization losses from plots on a free-draining volcanic parent material soil which received either 0 (control) or 100 kg N ha^?1 as FDE or manure (about 2 and 15 % of dry matter (DM) contents in FDE or manure, respectively) with or without NBTPT (0.25 g NBTPT kg^?1 effluent N). The experiment was conducted in the spring of 2012 and summer and autumn of 2013.

Results and discussion

Results showed that application of manure and FDE, both in fresh and stored forms, potentially led to NH₃ volatilization, ranging from 0.6 to 19 % of applied N. Difference in NH₃ losses depended on the season and effluent type. Higher NH₃ volatilization was observed from both fresh and stored manure, compared to fresh and stored FDE. The difference was mainly due to solid contents. The losses of NH₃ were closely related to NH₄ ⁺-N content in the two types of manure. However, there was no relationship between NH₃ losses and NH₄ ⁺-N content in either type of FDE. There was no consistent seasonal pattern, although lower NH₃ losses from fresh FDE and stored FDE applied in spring compared to summer were observed. Potential NH₃ losses from application of fresh FDE or manure were significantly (P?<?0.05) reduced by 27 to 58 % when NBTPT was added, but the UI did not significantly reduce potential NH₃ volatilization from stored FDE or manure.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that NH₃ losses from application of FDE were lower than from manure and that UIs can be effective in mitigating NH₃ emissions from land application of fresh FDE and manure. Additionally, reducing the application of FDE in summer can also potentially reduce NH₃ volatilization from pasture soil.     

Nitrogen leaching from grassland ecosystems managed with organic fertilizers at different stocking rates

This study shows the effect of organic fertilizers at different stocking rates, on nitrogen (N) leaching, measured using zero-tension lysimeters under undisturbed grassland soil. The experiment included two organic fertilizer types – cow dung with dung water (D) and slurry (S), both at a range of stocking rates: 0.9 LU (livestock unit) ha^?1, 1.4 LU ha^?1, 2.0 LU ha^?1 (corresponding to 54, 84 and 120 kg N ha^?1, respectively) and a control (C) treatment. In percolated water, the contents of ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺–N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^?–N) were studied. The average concentration of NH₄⁺–N ranged from 0.91 to 1.44 mg l^?1 on fertilized plots compared to 0.55 mg l^?1 on the control plot. The average concentration of NO₃^?–N ranged from 5.2 to 9.5 mg l^?1 on fertilized plots compared to 3.2 mg l^?1 on the control plot. The results of this study showed that the use of organic fertilizers at chosen stocking rates influenced N leaching, but the concentration of N did not exceed the limits for drinking water permitted by Czech legislation. Stocking rates at 2.0 LU ha^?1 and below do not result in elevated N concentrations in percolated water that pose environmental threat.     

NITRATE ACCUMULATION IN SPINACH AS INFLUENCED BY SULFUR AND PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION UNDER INCREASING NITROGEN LEVELS

Nitrate (NO₃) accumulation by spinach was studied under increasing nitrogen (N) levels (60, 120 and 240 kg N ha^?1) along with sulfur (45 kg S ha^?1) and phosphorus (P; 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) application. Plants were harvested at 50 and 65 days after sowing. Plant samples were analyzed for NO₃-N and total N, P, S, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Radio assay of 35S was done to estimate percent sulfur derived from fertilizer and percent fertilizer sulfur utilization. Spinach maintained a very high level of NO₃-N in its tissue throughout the growing period. NO₃-N was increased with increasing nitrogen level and was reduced with phosphorus and sulfur application and also with advancement in growth. Total N, P, S, K, Ca and Mg uptake were increased with increasing nitrogen levels as well as with application of sulfur and phosphorus. Sulfur application caused increase in percent sulfur derived from fertilizer and percent utilization of fertilizer sulfur.     

Nitrate leaching from the Broadbalk Wheat Experiment, Rothamsted, UK, as influenced by fertilizer and manure inputs and the weather

Abstract. Nitrate leaching was measured over the eight drainage seasons spanning the nine years from 1990–1998 on the 157‐year old Broadbalk Experiment at Rothamsted, UK. The weather pattern of two dry, three wet and three dry years was the dominant factor controlling nitrogen (N) loss. Both the concentration of nitrate in the drainage waters and the amount of N leached increased with the amount of N applied, mostly because of long‐term, differential increases in soil organic matter and mineralization. On average, losses of N by leaching were 30 kg ha^?1yr^?1 when no more than the optimum N application was applied and were typical of amounts leached from arable land in the UK. Losses increased significantly in both amounts and as the percentage of N applied for supra‐optimal applications of N and from autumn‐applied farmyard manure (FYM). Extra spring‐applied fertilizer was very effective at increasing yields on plots given FYM in the autumn but at the expense of leaching losses three times those from optimum fertilizer N applications. Losses increased after potatoes because they left significant amounts of mineral N in the soil, and decreased after forage maize because it used applied N more effectively. Losses measured 120 years ago from identical treatments were 74% greater than current losses because of today's larger yields and more efficient varieties and management practices. Average concentrations of nitrate in drainage waters did not exceed the EU limit of 11.3 mg NO₃‐N l^?1 until supra‐optimal amounts of N fertilizer (>150–200 kg ha^?1yr^?1) were applied in spring or FYM was applied in autumn. However some drainage waters from all plots, even those that have not received fertilizer for >150 years, exceeded the limit when rain followed a dry summer and autumn. Nitrate leaching into waters will remain a problem for profitable arable farming in the drier parts of Eastern England and Europe despite increased N use efficiency.     

Assessing Tillage Systems for Reducing Ammonia Volatilization from Spring-Applied Slurry Manure

The effect of tillage management on NH₃-N volatilization and its influence on succeeding corn (Zea mays L.) silage production were studied at the University of Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station (South Deerfield, MA) during 2010–2012 growing seasons. Tillage treatments consisted of disking before and after manure application, solid-tine aeration before and after manure application, and no-till management. The greatest NH₃-N loss (61 percent) occurred within the first 8 h after slurry manure application regardless of tillage management. The greatest NH₃-N emission occurred with surface application (no-till), which ranged between 5.2 and 10.3 kg NH₃-N ha^?1 (9–20 percent of NH₃-N applied) over the 3 years of the study. Immediate incorporation of manure into soil through disking reduced NH₃-N loss by 66 to 75 percent. Ammonia loss abatement with aeration before or after manure application ranged from 13 to 41 percent compared with surface manure application. Tillage management did not influence corn silage yield or quality.     

改善根系生长捕获深层土中NO3-N最优化免耕玉米氮肥利用率

Subsoil acidity restricts root growth and reduces crop yields in many parts of the world. More than half of the fertilizer nitrogen(N) applied in crop production is currently lost to the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gypsum application on the efficiency of N fertilizer in no-till corn(Zea mays L.) production in southern Brazil. A field experiment examined the effects of surface-applied gypsum(0, 5, 10, and 15 Mg ha~(-1)) and top-dressed ammonium nitrate(NH_4NO_3)(60, 120, and 180 kg N ha~(-1)) on corn root length, N uptake, and grain yield. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using undisturbed soil columns collected from the field experiment site to evaluate NO_3-N leaching, N uptake, and root length with surface-applied gypsum(0 and 10 Mg ha~(-1)) and top-dressed NH_4NO_3(0 and 180 kg N ha~(-1)). Amelioration of subsoil acidity due to gypsum application increased corn root growth,N uptake, grain yield, and N use efficiency. Applying gypsum to the soil surface increased corn grain yield by 19%–38% and partial factor productivity of N(PFPN) by 27%–38%, depending on the N application rate. Results of the undisturbed soil column greenhouse experiment showed that improvement of N use efficiency by gypsum application was due to the higher N uptake from NO_3-N in the subsoil as a result of increased corn root length. Our results suggest that ameliorating subsoil acidity with gypsum in a no-till corn system could increase N use efficiency, improve grain yield, and reduce environmental risks due to NO_3-N leaching.     

Nitrate nitrogen in the soil profile and drainage water as influenced by manure and mineral fertilizer application in a Barley–Carrot production system

Nitrate-N (NO₃ ^?-N) is a ubiquitous pollutant in both surface and groundwater in many agro-ecosystems. This has elicited a concerted effort to identify management strategies that mitigate NO₃ ^?–N pollution, without compromising crop yield. This study was conducted on a field site located at the Bio-Environmental Engineering Centre (BEEC) in Truro, NS, Canada during 1999 and 2000. The site has been used since 1997 to investigate the relative effect of inorganic versus organic fertilizer (liquid hog manure; LHM) applied at rates (70 kg N ha^?1) on NO₃ ^?-N leaching from a carrot rotation system. NO₃ ^?-N concentrations were monitored in both the soil profile and in tile drainage effluents from eight treatment plots. The LHM treatment elicited significantly (P < 0.01) higher soil NO₃ ^?-N concentrations than inorganic fertilizer (IF) in June and October during 1999, but not 2000. The sampling date and soil depth were significant in most cases. Annual flow weighted averages (FWA) of NO₃ ^?-N in drainage water were generally greater for plots receiving LHM (15.4 and 10.5 mg L^?1 for 1999 and 2000, respectively), when compared to IF (8.9 and 6.0 mg L^?1 for 1999 and 2000, respectively), but the difference was significant (P < 0.05) only in 1999. Maximum NO₃ ^?-N concentrations in drainage water were similar for both treatments, while the LHM treatment had a significantly higher percentage of samples that were > 10 mg L^?1. The total NO₃ ^?-N load was greater for the LHM treatment when compared to the IF treatment in 1999. Barley and carrot yields were unaffected by treatment applications.     

Dicyandiamide application improved nitrogen use efficiency and decreased nitrogen losses in wheat-maize crop rotation in Loess Plateau

Inhibition of nitrification as a mitigation tool to abate nitrogen (N) losses and improve N use efficiency (NUE) is a promising technology. Nitrification inhibitor (dicyandiamide, DCD) was evaluated in two consecutive wheat-maize rotations (2015–2017), with two different N fertilizer levels applied in wheat (160, 220 kg N ha^?1) and maize (180, 280 kg N ha^?1). More NH₄⁺-N contents (101% and 102% in wheat and 74% and 73% in maize) and less NO₃^–-N contents (37% and 43% in wheat and 46% and 57% in maize) were observed at both N levels treated with DCD compared to without DCD. Higher pH, lower EC and reduced NO₃^–-N accumulation were the other benefits of DCD. The NO₃^–-N accumulation within the 0–200 cm soil profile was significantly less at both N levels with DCD (66 mg kg^?1 and 121 mg kg^?1) compared to without DCD (96 mg kg^?1 and 169 mg kg^?1). Application of DCD also improved the growth and yield in both crops. Increase in NUE from 38% to 49% in wheat and 27% to 33% in maize with DCD at higher N level was also observed. Overall, the effectiveness of DCD in retarding the nitrification process was higher in wheat than maize.