Movement of Water and Nitrate-Nitrogen in a Typical Silt Loam Soil of Western Kansas

摘要

During a 2-year study at Tribune, Kansas, the authors evaluated the movement of water and nitrate-nitrogen in a deep, silt loam soil derived from losses. Treatment was irrigation amount (76, 114, or 152 mm of water per irrigation) and the test crop was corn (Zea mays). All plots received a pre-plant irrigation of approximately 150 mm in April of each year. In November 1980 and in December 1981, 180 kg of nitrogen per hectare were applied to the plot area. Nitrate-nitrogen concentration in the soil profile was not significantly influenced by irrigation amount. Water use efficiency was significantly greater with the 114 and 152 mm irrigation amounts than with the 76 mm amount. Undoubtedly, excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizers and excessive amounts of irrigation water could produce nitrate-nitrogen leaching from these soils.