Dynamics of nitrate leaching under irrigated potato rotation in Washington State: a long-term simulation study

Abstract In Washington State, nitrate is the most prevalent and frequently documented groundwater contaminant. The process appears driven by irrigation development associated with excessive use of fertilizers. A significant concentration of the problem is located in the Quincy–Pasco area. A computer simulation study was conducted with the objective of estimating the amount and dynamics of nitrate leaching from a typical irrigated crop rotation in this area. A 30-year record of daily weather from Richland, WA (near Pasco), a representative sandy soil (Quincy series, mesic Xeric Torripsamments), and a center pivot-irrigated crop rotation including potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) were considered. CropSyst, a cropping systems model, was used to simulate the interactions between soils, crops, weather, and irrigation and fertilization management scenarios. When scenarios with fertilization rates above current recommended rates were simulated, potato had the largest nitrate leaching amounts during the growing season. When fertilization approached recommended rates, the simulated nitrate leaching during the potato growing seasons was low and not different from that of maize growing seasons. Excess irrigation did not affect significantly the bulk of simulated nitrate leaching, although it enhanced leaching during crop periods. Nitrate leaching was found to be more significant during no-crop periods (fall and winter), particularly following potato. Precipitation variability resulted in cycles of nitrate accumulation in the soil followed by leaching, at times producing some large events. Overall, the simulation study showed that reducing fertilization rates was the only effective approach to reducing nitrate leaching.

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