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Design and Testing of a New Microlysimeter for Leaching Studies 1
Author(s) -
Drake R. J.,
Pepper I. L.,
Johnson G. V.,
Kneebone W. R.
Publication year - 1980
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/agronj1980.00021962007200020035x
Subject(s) - leaching (pedology) , leachate , environmental science , correlation coefficient , coefficient of variation , nitrate , soil science , mineralogy , soil water , environmental chemistry , chemistry , mathematics , statistics , organic chemistry
A new microlysimeter designed to facilitate leaching studies under perched water table situations was constructed of commonly available materials. Advantages of the microlysimeter include low cost, low mortality rate, reliability, small volume, and simple construction. Design of the microlysimeter is shown in this note. The microlysimeter was tested by conducting a leaching study of nitrate through a sand medium. Rates of 0, 35, 70, and 140 kg N/ha as KNO 3 were applied to the sand, which subsequently was leached daily with water. Leachate samples were collected and analyzed for NO 3 ‐‐N. Overall mean N recovery was 97.6% for all rates. Coefficient of variation between replicates was 8.5%. Correlation of leached versus expected N gave a correlation coefficient of 0.94. These data indicate that the microlysimeter is a useful and reliable aid for soil leaching studies with perched water tables.