Soil test phosphorus as an indicator of nitrate-nitrogen leaching risk in tile drainage water.
A 2 year tile drainage study of 39 fields in Nova Scotia, Canada was conducted. Weekly nitrate-nitrogen (NO(3)-N) concentrations were highest in spring and fall during high flow. Fields receiving poultry or swine manure had elevated drainage NO(3)-N and soil test phosphorus. Water quality guidelines for NO(3)-N (10 mg L(-1)) were exceeded on 90% of rotations (corn-grass or corn-grain) and 13% of long-term cover fields. A significant correlation between NO(3)-N and soil test P (r (2) = 0.42; p < 0.001) was found. The 10 mg L(-1) guideline was exceeded at 100% of fields with soil test phosphorus >200 mg kg(-1) and 60% overall.
Kinley
R D
RD
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, PO Box 550, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada. rdkinley@nsac.ca
Gordon
R J
RJ
Stratton
G W
GW
D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D004323:Drainage, Sanitary; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis*; D008372:Manure / Q000032:analysis; D009566:Nitrates / Q000032:analysis*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D009674:Nova Scotia; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D008372:Manure; D009566:Nitrates; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D010758:Phosphorus; D009584:Nitrogen