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Field‐Measured Water Uptake of Sudangrass Roots as Affected by Fertilization 1
Author(s) -
Flühler H.,
Ardakani M. S.,
Szuszkiewicz T. E.,
Stolzy L. H.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1977.00021962006900020017x
Subject(s) - leaching (pedology) , loam , agronomy , environmental science , nitrate , fertilizer , irrigation , evapotranspiration , groundwater , human fertilization , hydraulic conductivity , dns root zone , field experiment , soil water , chemistry , soil science , ecology , biology , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , engineering
Cultural practices could affect the flow of water and solutes toward groundwater. In this field experiment we analyzed the effect of fertilization on water uptake of sudangrass ( Sorghum vulgare sudanense, Germain's piper cultivar) and its indirect influence on deep drainage and nitrate leaching. Root water uptake was calculated as sink term in the continuity equation using successive measurements of water content and matric potential profiles in connection with field measured hydraulic conductivity functions. The experiment was conducted in three field plots on Hanford fine sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, mixed, thermic, Typic, Xerorthent). Fertilization increased dry matter production and water uptake significantly and reduced deep drainage and nitrate leaching. Water uptake patterns and root length distribution was not correlated. Mainly due to fertilization with nitrate nitrogen, the evapotranspiration approximated the amount of irrigation water applied. These results indicate that optimum water and fertilizer use and minimum groundwater pollution per unit crop production are intimately linked together.