Nitrate leaching assessment in a long-term experiment under supplementary irrigation in humid Argentina

Applying high rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to crops has two major disadvantages: (1) the low N fertilizer use efficiency and (2) the loss of N by leaching, which may cause groundwater nitrate (NO3−) pollution, especially in humid areas. The objectives of this study were to adjust and validate the LEACH-W model simulations with data observed in the field; to quantify nitrate concentrations in the soil solution; to estimate N loss by leaching; and to determine the moments during the year when greatest nitrate transport events occur beyond the rooting profile. A randomized complete block design with four replications was established on a typic Argiudoll. Crop fertilization treatments consisted of three N rates (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha−1) using urea and ammonium nitrate solution (UAN) as the N source. Corn (Zea mays L.) was planted and ceramic soil–water suction samplers were installed to depths of 1, 1.5 and 2 m. Drainage was estimated by the LEACH-W model, which adjusted very well the actual volume of water in the soil profile. Nitrogen losses were statistically analyzed as repeated measure data, using the PROC MIXED procedure. Losses of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N) during the study increased as the rate of N applied increased. At all depths studied, statistically significant higher values were found for 200 N compared to 100 N and 0 N, and for 100 N compared to 0 N (p < 0.001). The greatest NO3−-N losses through leaching occurred during crop growth. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between cropping and fallow in the three treatments and depths studied for seasons 4 and 5; these two seasons produced the highest drainage volumes at all depths.