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Preferential Flow and Water Quality in Two New Zealand Soils Previously Irrigated with Wastewater
Author(s) -
Magesan G. N.,
Dalgety J.,
Lee R.,
Luo J.,
Oostrom A. J.
Publication year - 1999
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/jeq1999.00472425002800050018x
Subject(s) - soil water , wastewater , leachate , nitrate , irrigation , environmental science , drainage , water quality , ammonium , phosphate , hydrology (agriculture) , environmental chemistry , chemistry , agronomy , environmental engineering , soil science , geology , ecology , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , biology
Preferential flow of bromide tracer through two New Zealand soils, Horotiu (Typic Hapludand) and Te Kowhai (Typic Ochraqualf) soils, was examined. These two soils differed in physical, chemical, and drainage characteristics. These soils had been irrigated with meat‐processing wastewater for 38 mo that ceased 3 mo before this study. Impact of heavy rainfall on residual water quality from such wastewater applied soils was examined by measuring the concentrations of anions (nitrate and phosphate), and cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg, and ammonium) in leachates collected. Heavy rainfall did not appear to have any impact on leachate quality, as indicated by low nitrate‐N and phosphate concentrations compared with those measured during wastewater irrigation. While no preferential flow occurred in the Horotiu soil when it was wetted to field capacity, preferential flow occurred to depth in the Te Kowhal soil under similar conditions. Other water quality problems (e.g., pathogens), which were not investigated in this study may arise in Te Kowhai soils under heavy rainfall.