Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-fv566 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-18T09:39:19.577Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Nitrate leaching from a sandy soil: the effect of previous crop and post-harvest soil management in an arable rotation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

M. A. Shepherd  and
E. I. Lord
M. A. Shepherd
Affiliation:
ADAS Gleadthorpe, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Nolls NG20 9PF, UK
E. I. Lord
Affiliation:
ADAS Woodthorne, Wergs Rd, Wolverhampton WV6 8TQ, UK
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

Agronomic practices can be modified to decrease autumn soil nitrate and nitrate leaching. This experiment aimed to measure the effectiveness of such practices when integrated into a farming system under UK conditions. The experiment started in autumn 1988 on a sandy soil in Nottinghamshire, UK, and comprised a four-course rotation of potatoes–cereal–sugarbeet–cereal. Three husbandry systems were superimposed, ranging from current commercial practice to most nitrate retentive. Plots were split further to receive either half or full recommended rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Soil mineral N (Nmin) and nitrate leaching (using porous ceramic cups) were measured on selected treatments; this paper presents the findings after five winters.

Autumn Nmin and N leached were strongly influenced by the previous crop, consistently following the order potatoes > cereal > sugarbeet. Pre-harvest management (chiefly N fertilizer input) affected Nmin, and post-harvest management also modified N loss. Cover crops (winter rye or forage rape) after cereals removed 10–40 kg/ha N, depending on previous N management, time and method of establishment. They decreased leaching and were particularly effective if they were able to establish fully before significant drainage occurred. Nmin following sugarbeet, which had received 125 kg/ha N, was less after November lifting than after October lifting (16 and 28 kg/ha N, respectively, as amean of autumns 1989–92). Potatoes left most Nmin (a mean of 60 kg/ha for autumns 1989–92, receiving 220 kg/ha fertilizer N), and their late harvest gave little scope for decreasing leaching losses by establishing green cover before the start of winter. After late harvested root crops (both beet and potatoes), it was often preferable to leave the land fallow over winter, rather than ploughing and drilling a winter cereal.

We show that nitrate leaching can be decreased by simple and inexpensive modifications to an existing crop rotation. Averaged over five winters, adopting such practices decreased the mean N concentration in drainage from 22·3 to 14·5 mg/1.

Type
Crops and Soils
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 127 , Issue 2 , September 1996 , pp. 215 - 229
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Abshahi, A., Hills, F. J. & Broadbent, F. E. (1984). Nitrogen utilization by wheat from residual sugarbeet fertilizer and soil incorporated sugarbeet tops. Agronomy Journal 76, 954–958.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Anon. (1986). The Analysis of Agricultural Materials. MAFF Reference Book 427. London: HMSO.Google Scholar
Anon. (1988). Fertiliser Recommendations for Agricultural and Horticultural Crops. MAFF Reference Book 209. London: HMSO.Google Scholar
Anon. (1989). Sugar Beet. A Grower's Guide (Fourth Edition). London: Sugar Beet Research and Education Committee.Google Scholar
Anon. (1990). Statutory Instrument NO 1013. The Nitrate Sensitive Areas (Designation) Order.Google Scholar
Anon. (1991). Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water. London: HMSO.Google Scholar
Armstrong, M. J., Milford, G. F. J., Pocock, T. O., Last, P. J. & Day, W. (1986). The dynamics of nitrogen uptake and its remobilization during the growth of sugar beet. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 107, 145–154.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bailey, R. J. & Groves, S. J. (1992). The effect of irrigation on the yield and nitrogen fertiliser response of potatoes. Aspects of Applied Biology 33, Production and Protection of Potatoes, 45–50.Google Scholar
Bergström, L. & Brink, N. (1986). Effects of differentiated applications of fertilizer N on leaching losses and distribution of inorganic N in the soil. Plant and Soil 93, 333–345.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bertilsson, G. (1988). Lysimeter studies of nitrogen leaching and nitrogen balances as affected by agricultural practices. Ada Agriculturae Scandanavica 38, 3–11.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Catt, J. A., Christian, D. G., Goss, M. K., Harris, G. L. & Howse, K. R. (1992). Strategies to reduce nitrate leaching by crop rotation, minimal cultivation and straw incorporation in the Brimstone Farm Experiment, Oxfordshire. Aspects of Applied Biology 30, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 255–262.Google Scholar
Chalmers, A. G., Dyer, C. J., Leech, P. K. & Elsmere, J. I. (1992). Fertiliser Use on Farm Crops, England and Wales 1991. Survey of Fertiliser Practice. London: MAFF Publications.Google Scholar
Chaney, K. (1990). Effect of nitrogen fertilizer rate on soil nitrate nitrogen content after harvesting winter wheat. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 114, 171–176.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Christian, D. G., Goodlass, G. & Powlson, D. S. (1992). Nitrogen uptake by cover crops. Aspects of Applied Biology 30, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 291–300.Google Scholar
Croll, B. T. & Hayes, C. R. (1988). Nitrate and water supplies in the United Kingdom. Environmental Pollution 50, 163–187.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Davies, D. B. & Rochford, A. D. H. (1992). The effect of husbandry on nitrate leaching from a chalk soil. Aspects of Applied Biology 30, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 271–274.Google Scholar
Department of the Environment (1986). Nitrate in Water. A Report by the Nitrate Co-ordination Group. Pollution Paper No. 26. London: HMSO.Google Scholar
Destain, J. P., Francois, E. & Guiot, J. (1990). Fertiliser nitrogen budgets of 15N labelled sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) tops and Na15NO3 dressing split-applied to winter wheat (Trilicum aestivum) in microplots on a loam soil. In Plant Nutrition, Physiology and Applications (Ed. Beusichem, M. L. van), pp. 557–559. Amsterdam: Kluwer Academic Publishers.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
European Community (1980). EEC Directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption (80/778/EEC Brussels). In DoE Circular 20/82. London: HMSO.Google Scholar
Glendining, M. J., Poulton, P. R. & Powlson, D. S. (1992). The relationship between inorganic N in soil and the rate of fertilizer N applied on the Broadbalk Wheat Experiment. Aspects of Applied Biology 301, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 95–102Google Scholar
Goss, M. J., Howse, K. R., Lane, P. W., Christian, D. G. & Harris, G. L. (1993). Losses of nitrate-nitrogen in water draining from under autumn-sown crops established by direct drilling or mouldboard ploughing. Journal of Soil Science 44, 35–48.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gustafson, A. (1987). Nitrate leaching from arable land in Sweden under four cropping systems. Swedish Journal of Agricultural Research 17, 169–177.Google Scholar
Jenkinson, D. S. (1984). The supply of nitrogen from the soil. In The Nitrogen Requirement of Cereals. MAFF Reference Book 385, pp. 79–92. London: HMSO.Google Scholar
Johnston, A. E. & Jenkinson, D. S. (1989). The nitrogen cycle in UK arable agriculture. Fertiliser Society Proceedings 286.Google Scholar
Linden, B. (1987). Reasons for variation in optimum demand of fertilizer nitrogen in sugar beet production. In Proceedings of the Third Meeting of the NW Study Group for the Assessment of Nitrogen Fertilizer Requirement (Ed. Nielsen, N. E.), pp. 72–86. Copenhagen: Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University.Google Scholar
Loch, J. & Jaszberenyi, I. (1989). The effect of fertilization and irrigation on the change of nitrate-N content of the soil profile. In Protection of Water Quality from Harmful Emissions with Special Regard to Nitrate and Heavy Metals (Eds Welte, E. & Szabolcs, I.), pp. 127–129.Google Scholar
Lord, E. I. (1992). Nitrogen leaching in U.K. Nitrate Sensitive Areas. In Nitrogen Cycling and Leaching in Cool and Wet Regions of Europe (Eds Francois, E., Pithan, K. & Bartiqux-Thill, N.), pp. 116–117. Brussels: EEC.Google Scholar
Lord, E. I. & Shepherd, M. A. (1993). Developments in the use of porous ceramic cups for measuring nitrate leaching. Journal of Soil Science 44, 435–449.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Macdonald, A. J., Poulton, P. R. & Powlson, D. S. (1990). Sources of nitrate leaching from arable soil to aquifers. In Fertilization and the Environment (Eds Merckx, R., Vereecken, H. & Vlassak, K.), pp. 281–288. Leuven: University Press.Google Scholar
McEwen, J., Darby, R. J., Hewitt, M. V. & Yeoman, D. P. (1989). Effects of field beans, fallow, lupins, oats, oilseed rape, peas, ryegrass, sunflowers and wheat on nitrogen residues in the soil and on the growth of a subsequent wheat crop. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 115, 209–219.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Milford, G. F. J., Penny, A., Prew, R. D., Darby, R. J & Todd, A. D. (1993). Effect of previous crop, sowing date, and winter and spring applications of nitrogen on the growth, nitrogen uptake and yield of winter wheat. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 121, 1–12.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Neeteson, J. J., Dilz, K. & Wijnen, G. (1987). N fertilizer recommendations for arable crops. In Management Systems to Reduce Impact of Nitrates (Ed. Germon, J. C.), pp. 253–264. London: Elsevier Applied Science.Google Scholar
Nielsen, N. E. & Jensen, H. E. (1985). Soil mineral nitrogen as affected by undersown catchcrops. In Assessment of Nitrogen Fertilizer Requirements (Eds Neeteson, J. J. & Dilz, K.), pp. 101–110. Netherlands: ISF Haren.Google Scholar
Pederson, C. A. (1990). Practical measures to reduce nutrient losses from arable land (arable crops). Fertiliser Society Proceedings 300.Google Scholar
Powlson, D. S. (1993). Understanding the soil nitrogen cycle. Soil Use and Management 9, 86–94.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Powlson, D. S. (1994). Water quality and fertiliser use – understanding the nitrate problem. In Water Services and Agriculture: Key Issues and Strategic Options (Eds Marshall, B. J. & Miller, F. A.), pp. 84–103. Reading: Centre for Agricultural Strategy.Google Scholar
Powlson, D. S., Jenkinson, D. S., Pruden, G. & Johnston, A. E. (1985). The effect of straw incorporation on the uptake of nitrogen by winter wheat. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 36, 26–30.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Prins, W. H., Dilz, K. & Neeteson, J. J. (1988). Current recommendations for nitrogen fertilisation within the EEC in relation to nitrate leaching. Fertiliser Society Proceedings 276.Google Scholar
Ragg, J. M., Beard, G. R., George, H., Heaven, F. W., Hollis, J. M., Jones, R. J. A., Palmer, R. C., Reeve, M. J., Robson, J. D. & Whitfield, W. A. D. (1984). Soils and Their Use in Midland and Western England. Soil Survey of England and Wales Bulletin No. 12. Harpenden: Soil Survey of England and Wales.Google Scholar
Schroder, J., De Groot, W. J. M. & Van Dijk, W. (1992). Nitrogen losses from continuous maize as affected by cover crops. Aspects of Applied Biology 30, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 317–326.Google Scholar
Shen, S. M., Hart, P. B. S., Powlson, D. S. & Jenkinson, D. S. (1989). The nitrogen cycle in the Broadbalk wheat experiment: 15N-labelled fertilizer residues in the soil nicrobial biomass. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 21, 529–533.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Shepherd, M. A., Johnson, P. A. & Smith, P. N. (1992). The effect of crop rotation on nitrate leaching losses; sandland and limestone aquifers. Aspects of Applied Biology 30, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 183–190.Google Scholar
Smith, K. A. & Chambers, B. J. (1993). Utilizing the nitrogen content of organic manures on farms – problems and practical solutions. Soil Use and Management 9, 105–112.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Smith, S. J. & Powlosland, C. B. (1990). Impact of Nitrate Sensitive Areas on Agricultural Utilisation of Sewage Sludge. Report No. FR 0146, Foundation for Water Research.Google Scholar
Steen, E. & Linden, B. (1987). Role of fine roots in the nitrogen economy of sugar beet. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science 158, 1–7.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stokes, D. T., Scott, R. K., Tilston, C. H., Cowie, G. & Sylvester-Bradley, R. (1992). The effect of soil disturbance on nitrate mineralisation. Aspects of Applied Biology 30, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 279–282.Google Scholar
Sylvester-Bradley, R. (1993). Scope for more efficient use of fertilizer nitrogen. Soil Use and Management 9, 112–117.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sylvester-Bradley, R. & Chambers, B. J. (1992). The implications of restricting use of fertiliser nitrogen for the productivity of arable crops, their profitabiity and potential pollution by nitrate. Aspects of Applied Biology 30, Nitrate and Farming Systems, 85–94.Google Scholar
Van Erp, P. J. & Oenema, O. (1993). Towards integrated nutrient management. Fertiliser Society Proceedings 345.Google Scholar
Webster, C. P., Shepherd, M. A., Goulding, K. W. T. & Lord, E. I. (1993). Comparisons of methods for measuring the leaching of mineral nitrogen from arable land. Journal of Soil Science 44, 49–62.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Werhmann, J. & Scharpf, H. C. (1989). Reduction of nitrate leaching in a vegetable farm – fertilization, crop rotation, plant residues. Protection of Water Quality from Harmful Emissions with Special Regard to Nitrate and Heavy Metals (Eds Welte, E. & Szabolcs, I.), pp. 247–253.Google Scholar
Widdowson, F. V., Penny, A., Darby, R. J., Bird, E. & Hewitt, M. V. (1987). Amounts of NO3-N and NH4-N in soil, from autumn to spring, under winter wheat and their relationship to soil type, sowing date, previous crop and N uptake at Rothamsted, Woburn and Saxmundham, 1979–85. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 108, 73–95.CrossRefGoogle Scholar