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Nitrogen Balance in the Southern San Joaquin Valley
Author(s) -
Miller Robert J.,
Smith Richard B.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1976.00472425000500030011x
Subject(s) - san joaquin , structural basin , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , tonne , nitrogen balance , drainage basin , nitrogen , geography , geology , soil science , archaeology , geomorphology , geotechnical engineering , cartography , physics , quantum mechanics
Abstract A nitrogen balance for the southern San Joaquin Valley of California has been calculated, using techniques and methodology developed for the Upper Santa Ana River Basin of southern California. The two areas differed considerably in both size (the latter being much smaller) and agricultural function. Data were compiled on N inputs, use, and outputs for many sources within the study area. Such data enabled construction of a flow diagram depicting best estimates of N pools and fluxes within the San Joaquin Valley basin. Results show N inputs into the study area from various sources were somewhat greater than output to the atmosphere and by plant removal. Inputs to the soil N pool were about 9 kg/ha more in 1971 than in 1961. Since the soil N pool was estimated to be about 11 metric tons/ha, this represented an increase of about 0.1%. However, since the increases of N are not evenly distributed over the study area, high N concentrations can develop in some local areas.