1、Environmental Impacts of Nitrogen Use in Agriculture, Nitrate Leaching and Mitigation Strategies

Heavy application of N to soil could result in high NO 3 − leaching, low NUE and high risk of water contamination. Dose of applied nitrogen has positive correlation with leaching of NO 3 − away from active root zone (Paramasivam et al. 2002; Jalali 2005).

2、Estimating soil nitrate leaching of nitrogen fertilizer from global meta

Global estimates of soil nitrate leaching of applied nitrogen (N) in agricultural production systems are not imprecise; however, the results of some field experiments have suggested that nitrate leaching responds exponentially rather than linearly to increasing N inputs.

3、Nitrogen transformations in modern agriculture and the role of biological nitrification inhibition

Fifty per cent of the nitrogen fertilizer used globally is lost as ammonia, nitrate or nitrous oxide.

Nitrogen losses from the soil/plant system: a review

This review describes the nitrogen cycle in temperate soil/plant systems, the processes involved in each of the individual nitrogen loss pathways, the factors affecting the amounts of losses and the methods that are available to reduce these losses.

Dune soil nitrogen leaching for Chinese

This study demonstrated that cultivating Chinese yam with a fertilizer application system that includes the use of slow-release fertilizer can diminish the negative impact of nitrogen leaching on the groundwater environment, contributing to our understanding of sustainable agricultural practices in regions facing similar environmental challenges.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer and water management practices on nitrogen leaching from a typical open field used for vegetable planting in northern China

Agriculture has contributed greatly to nitrogen (N) pollution globally. It is essential to study the causes and characteristics of N leaching to develop better N management strategies. A field experiment with cucumber–Chinese cabbage rotation was conducted in a typical open field for vegetable planting in northern China.

Agricultural Non

The main causes for NPS pollution were excessive inputs of nitrogen fertilizer and pesticides, which were partly the result of the inadequate agricultural extension services and the rapid expansion of intensive livestock production with little of waste management.

The fate of fertilizer nitrogen in a high nitrate accumulated agricultural soil

Well-acclimatized nitrifiers in high-nitrate agricultural soils can quickly nitrify NH4+ into NO3− subject to leaching and denitrifying loss.

Effects of different irrigation and fertilization practices on nitrogen leaching in facility vegetable production in northeastern China

Excessive nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation in facility vegetable production cause N leaching, which leads to a series of environmental problems. It is urgent to develop practical management strategies to reduce N leaching while maintaining or increasing yield and water use efficiency (WUE).

Nitrogen leaching: A crop rotation perspective on the effect of N surplus, field management and use of catch crops

Components of the field nitrogen (N) balance (input and surplus) are often used to predict nitrate leaching from agricultural lands. However, management factors, such as use of catch crops, greatly affect the actual loss and are a key to reduce N leaching.

Nitrogen fertilizer leaching refers to the process by which nitrogen fertilizers applied to soil enter groundwater, rivers, lakes, or other water bodies due to various factors. This phenomenon leads to significant losses of nitrogen from the soil, adversely affecting crop growth and yield. The following are the primary causes of nitrogen leaching:

1. Unreasonable Irrigation System Design In agricultural production, the design of irrigation systems directly impacts the severity of nitrogen leaching. Poor designs, such as excessively narrow pipelines or steep slopes, accelerate water flow in the soil, increasing the likelihood of nitrogen loss. Additionally, an overly concentrated irrigation layout can result in inadequate water distribution in local areas, exacerbating leaching.

2. Poor Soil Structure Soil structural issues, characterized by high compaction and low porosity, significantly contribute to nitrogen leaching. Such conditions speed up water penetration, worsening leaching. poor soil structure hinders crops’ ability to absorb nitrogen, further aggravating the problem.

3. Improper Irrigation Methods Irrigation techniques influence nitrogen leaching. While sprinkler and drip irrigation improve water efficiency and reduce leaching, surface irrigation often increases leaching risks due to high evaporation rates. The choice of irrigation method should align with soil conditions and crop needs.

4. Unsuitable Soil pH Soil pH extremes disrupt nitrogen stability and uptake. Alkaline soils cause nitrogen to volatilize as ammonia, while acidic soils bind nitrogen to calcium, forming compounds inaccessible to plants. Crop selection and fertilization practices must account for soil pH requirements.

5. Low Soil Organic Matter Content Soils with insufficient organic matter suffer from poor structure, reduced water retention, and weak microbial activity, all of which elevate leaching risks. Enhancing organic matter through compost or green manure is critical to mitigating this issue.

6. Climatic Conditions Temperature, precipitation, and wind intensity influence leaching. High temperatures accelerate evaporation, saturating soils with moisture that promotes leaching. Strong winds increase water movement in soil, while heavy rains directly drive nitrogen into water bodies. Monitoring weather and adjusting practices accordingly is essential.

7. Improper Fertilization Practices Delayed fertilization, excessive application, or incorrect methods (e.g., surface spreading) raise leaching risks. Adherence to scientific guidelines, such as split applications and precise dosing, is necessary to minimize losses.

8. Soil Erosion and Land Development Rainfall-induced erosion washes surface nitrogen into waterways, while land development (e.g., road construction) disrupts soil structure, accelerating water flow and leaching. Protective measures during development and anti-erosion strategies are vital.

Nitrogen leaching is a multifaceted issue requiring integrated solutions. To reduce risks, farmers should optimize irrigation systems, improve soil structure, adopt efficient irrigation methods, balance soil pH, boost organic matter, adapt to climatic conditions, follow proper fertilization protocols, and safeguard soil integrity. Comprehensive management ensures sustainable agriculture and minimizes environmental impacts.