Nitrogen-fertilization rate and soil nitrate distribution for microirrigated sugarcane

Journal Article · · Soil Science Society of America Journal; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1990.03615995005400010034x· OSTI ID:5400024

Stanley, C D ^[1]; Green, R E; Khan, M A ^[2]; Santo, L T ^[3]

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1. Univ. of Florida, Bradenton (USA)
2. Univ. of Hawaii, Honolulu (USA)
3. Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association, Honolulu (USA)

Concern continues to grow over the fate of chemicals used in agricultural production and the associated potential for groundwater contamination. management practices can directly influence the efficiency of inorganic fertilizer use by crops, and can effect the amount that moves away from the root zone. A field study was conducted to investigate the effect of three N-fertilization rates (17.8, 9.1, and 6.0 kg ha{sup {minus}1} wk{sup {minus}1}) on NO{sub 3} distribution and movement for the first 24 wk of growth of microirrigated sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) grown on a Wahiawa silty clay (clayey, kaolinitic, isohyperthermic Tropeptic Eutrustox). One uncropped treatment receiving 9.1 kg ha{sup {minus}1} wk{sup {minus}1} was included for evaluation without crop uptake. The plots received irrigation daily, with N being applied once weekly. Clusters of soil-solution extraction tubes were installed at depths of 15, 45, and 75 cm from the soil surface and 0, 30.5, 61, 91.5, and 122 cm away from microirrigation emitters to determine NO{sub 3} distribution patterns on a weekly basis. Soil water potential was monitored with tensiometers placed at similar locations. Results showed that all N levels were applied excessively early in the season and exhibited NO{sub 3} leaching beyond the root zone. Data collected at 22 wk after planting showed that the 6.0 kg ha{sup {minus}1} wk{sup {minus}1} rate had low NO{sub 3} concentrations through the soil profile, indicating a N-rate closer to crop requirements. Daily irrigation applications were probably excessive and may have contributed to loss of NO{sub 3} from the root zone for all treatments. This study demonstrated that a dynamic approach to fertilization and irrigation needs to be developed to minimize water and nutrient losses from the crop root zone.

• OSTI ID: 5400024
• Journal Information: Soil Science Society of America Journal; (United States), Vol. 54:1; ISSN 0361-5995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
FERTILIZERS
NITRIFICATION
NITRATES
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
SUGAR CANE
IRRIGATION
DRINKING WATER
EXTRACTION APPARATUSES
GROUND WATER
LEACHING
METABOLISM
NITROGEN CYCLE
POLLUTANTS
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
SOIL CHEMISTRY
TENSIOMETERS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DISSOLUTION
DISTRIBUTION
GRAMINEAE
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LILIOPSIDA
MAGNOLIOPHYTA
MANAGEMENT
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
REEDS
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
SEPARATION PROCESSES
WATER
540220* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)