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Redox Potentials and Denitrification in a Cropped Potato Processing Waste Water Disposal Field
Author(s) -
Smith J. H.,
Gilbert R. G.,
Miller J. 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/jeq1976.00472425000500040014x
Subject(s) - denitrification , environmental science , aeration , nitrate , hectare , tonne , organic matter , agronomy , water table , nitrogen , environmental engineering , chemistry , agriculture , groundwater , ecology , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , biology , engineering
Many potato processors apply processing waste water containing nitrogen and other plant nutrients to cropped land. More than 1 metric ton of N per hectare was applied each year when waste water application averaged 230 cm/year on one field for 2 years. Less than 300 kg N/ha was recovered in the harvested grass hay, and only about 15 kg N/ha leached each season. Redox measurements made at several depths from 5 to 150 cm showed poorly aerated zones in the soil profile because of a high water table during the summer. Under these conditions, nitrate leached into these poorly aerated zones would be denitrified. Sufficient decomposable organic matter was present to provide energy for denitrification.