An analysis of optimal fertigation implications in different soils on reducing environmental impacts of agricultural nitrate leaching

Azad, Nasrin; Behmanesh, Javad; Rezaverdinejad, Vahid; Abbasi, Fariborz; Navabian, Maryam

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-64856-x

Cited by 39 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Recent advances in precision fertilizer systems may increase fertilizer use-efficiency, while reducing the risk of salinization and contamination of both underground and surface waterbodies. Specifically, fertigation technologies, in which dissolved fertilizers are distributed through drip irrigation systems, were shown to optimize fertilizer use-efficiency and reduce agriculture's environmental footprint (Azad et al, 2020).…”

Section: Fertilizing and Manuring Schemesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soil Salinity and Sodicity in Drylands: A Review of Causes, Effects, Monitoring, and Restoration Measures

Stavi

Thevs

Priori

2021

Front. Environ. Sci.

124

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Soil salinization and sodification are common processes that particularly characterize drylands. These processes can be attributed either to natural conditions or anthropogenic activities. While natural causes include factors such as climate, lithology, topography, and pedology, human causes are mostly related to agricultural land-use, and specifically, to irrigated agriculture. The objective of this study was to thoroughly review this topic, while highlighting the major challenges and related opportunities. Over time, the extent of saline, sodic, and saline-sodic croplands has increased, resulting in accelerated land degradation and desertification, decreased agricultural productivity, and consequently jeopardizing environmental and food security. Mapping and monitoring saline soils is an important management tool, aimed at determining the extent and severity of salinization processes. Recent developments in advanced remote sensing methods have improved the efficacy of mapping and monitoring saline soils. Knowledge on prevention, mitigation, and recovery of soil salinity and sodicity has substantially grown over time. This knowledge includes advanced measures for salt flushing and leaching, water-saving irrigation technologies, precision fertilizer systems, chemical restoration, organic and microbial remediation, and phytoremediation of affected lands. Of a particular interest is the development of forestry-related means, with afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, and silvopasture practices for the recovery of salt-affected soils. The forecasted expansion of drylands and aggravated drying of existing drylands due to climatic change emphasize the importance of this topic.

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Section: Fertilizing and Manuring Schemesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soil Salinity and Sodicity in Drylands: A Review of Causes, Effects, Monitoring, and Restoration Measures

Stavi

Thevs

Priori

2021

Front. Environ. Sci.

124

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“…In addition, optimizing the amount of N fertilizer for different soil textures can effectively reduce nitrate leaching. Azad et al (2020) reported that the amount of nitrate leaching in sandy soil decreased from 122.18 to 44.98 kg ha −1 , and loam and clay decreased from 22.1 to 13.9 kg ha −1 by optimized fertilization [ 47 ]. Reducing the N fertilizer rate can significantly reduce nitrate leaching.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulating the Effects of Different Textural Soils and N Management on Maize Yield, N Fates, and Water and N Use Efficiencies in Northeast China

Meng

Feng

et al. 2022

Plants

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Determining the best management practices (BMPs) for farmland under different soil textures can provide technical support for improving maize yield, water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies (WUE and NUE), and reducing environmental N losses. In this study, a two-year (2013–2014) maize cultivation experiment was conducted on two pieces of farmland with different textural soils (loamy clay and sandy loam) in the Phaeozems zone of Northeast China. Three N fertilizer treatments were designed for each farmland: N168, N240, and N312, with N rates of 168, 240, and 312 kg ha−1, respectively. The WHCNS (soil Water Heat Carbon Nitrogen Simulator) model was calibrated and validated using the observed soil water content, soil nitrate concentration, and crop biological indicators. Then, the effects of soil texture combined with different N rates on maize yield, water consumption, and N fates were simulated. The integrated index considering the agronomic, economic, and environmental impacts was used to determine the BMPs for two textural soils. Results indicated that simulated soil water content and nitrate concentration at different soil depths, leaf area index, dry matter, and grain yield all agreed well with the measured values. Both soil texture and N rates significantly affected maize yield, N fates, WUE, and NUE. The annual average grain yield, WUE, and NUE under three N rates in sandy loam soil were 8257 kg ha−1, 1.9 kg m−3, and 41.2 kg kg−1, respectively, which were lower than those of loam clay, 11440 kg ha−1, 2.7 kg m−3, and 46.7 kg kg−1. The order of annual average yield and WUE under two textural soils was N240 > N312 > N168. The average evapotranspiration of sandy loam (447.3 mm) was higher than that of loamy clay (404.9 mm). The annual average N-leaching amount of different N treatments for sandy loam ranged from 5.1 to 13.2 kg ha−1, which was higher than that of loamy clay soil, with a range of 1.8–5.0 kg ha−1. The gaseous N loss in sandy loam soil accounted for 14.7% of the fertilizer N application rate, while it was 11.1%in loamy clay soil. The order of the NUEs of two textural soils was: N168 > N240 > N312. The recommended N fertilizer rates for sandy loam and loamy clay soils determined by the integrated index were 180 and 200 kg ha−1, respectively.

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“…The occurrence of elevated nitrate concentrations (GW NO 3 ) in groundwater is a persistent concern in numerous countries around the globe, especially in shallow aquifers beneath highly agrarian areas − and soils offering higher permeability . Elevated nitrate above the permissible limit of 45 mg/L is a major groundwater problem in agrarian South Asia as well as in India. − Although different natural and human practices like deposition from the atmosphere, , crop nitrogen fixation, use of animal manure, sewage application in agriculture, , and faulty urban sewages , are argued to contribute to nitrate concentrations, the excess use of chemical fertilizers is perceived as the primary source of high GW NO 3 . , Studies were conducted to limit nitrate leaching from the source by controlling fertilizer applications, − tracking nitrate movement pathways, − and developing treatment strategies including biological methods. − Despite these studies, encounters with high concentrations of GW NO 3 in the global aquifers are still a persistent concern to policymakers …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predicting Potential Climate Change Impacts on Groundwater Nitrate Pollution and Risk in an Intensely Cultivated Area of South Asia

et al. 2022

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One of the potential impacts of climate change is enhanced groundwater contamination by geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants. Such impacts should be most evident in areas with high land-use change footprint. Here, we provide a novel documentation of the impact on groundwater nitrate (GW NOd 3 ) pollution with and without climate change in one of the most intensely groundwater-irrigated areas of South Asia (northwest India) as a consequence of changes in land use and agricultural practices at present and predicted future times. We assessed the probabilistic risk of GW NOd 3 pollution considering climate changes under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), i.e., RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for 2030 and 2040, using a machine learning (Random Forest) framework. We also evaluated variations in GW NOd 3 distribution against a no climate change (NCC) scenario considering 2020 status quo climate conditions. The climate change projections showed that the annual temperatures would rise under both RCPs. The precipitation is predicted to rise by 5% under RCP 8.5 by 2040, while it would decline under RCP 4.5. The predicted scenarios indicate that the areas at high risk of GW NOd 3 pollution will increase to 49 and 50% in 2030 and 66 and 65% in 2040 under RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. These predictions are higher compared to the NCC condition (43% in 2030 and 60% in 2040). However, the areas at high risk can decrease significantly by 2040 with restricted fertilizer usage, especially under the RCP 8.5 scenario. The risk maps identified the central, south, and southeastern parts of the study area to be at persistent high risk of GW NOd 3 pollution. The outcomes show that the climate factors may impose a significant influence on the GW NOd 3 pollution, and if fertilizer inputs and land uses are not managed properly, future climate change scenarios can critically impact the groundwater quality in highly agrarian areas.

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An analysis of optimal fertigation implications in different soils on reducing environmental impacts of agricultural nitrate leaching

Cited by 39 publications

References 42 publications

Soil Salinity and Sodicity in Drylands: A Review of Causes, Effects, Monitoring, and Restoration Measures

Soil Salinity and Sodicity in Drylands: A Review of Causes, Effects, Monitoring, and Restoration Measures

Simulating the Effects of Different Textural Soils and N Management on Maize Yield, N Fates, and Water and N Use Efficiencies in Northeast China

Predicting Potential Climate Change Impacts on Groundwater Nitrate Pollution and Risk in an Intensely Cultivated Area of South Asia

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