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Nutrient Leaching from Field‐Decomposed Corn and Soybean Residue under Simulated Rainfall
Author(s) -
Havis Robert N.,
Alberts E. Eugene
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1993.03615995005700010037x
Subject(s) - nutrient , leaching (pedology) , residue (chemistry) , crop residue , agronomy , chemistry , environmental science , soil water , soil science , agriculture , biology , ecology , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Quantification of nutrient leaching from crop residue is important in the management of agricultural water quality. This study measured plant matter decay under field conditions, and nutrient (NH 4 , PO 4 , and NO 3 ) leaching dynamics and total mass transport from partially decomposed corn ( Zea mays L.) and soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] residue under laboratory‐scale rainfall simulation. Plant matter decay rates were not significantly different for the two crops during 1 yr of decomposition. The nutrient mass leached (nutrient mass/plant material mass) from soybean residue was, in decreasing order, NH 4 ‐N > NO 3 ‐N > PO 4 ‐P and, from corn residue, NH 4 ‐N > PO 4 ‐P, NO 3 ‐N. More NO 3 ‐N and NH 4 ‐N was leached from soybean residue than from corn residue, but corn residue released more PO 4 ‐P than soybean residue. The fraction of water‐soluble nutrient mass in the plant material that was leached under rainfall increased for NO 3 , decreased for NH 4 , and remained constant for PO 4 , as residue decomposed. Equations to simulate nutrient leaching dynamics under simulated rainfall were evaluated and values for model variables were estimated through nonlinear least squares analysis. A hyperbolic equation provided the best model of the total nutrient mass leached during a rainfall event.