Nitrogen leaching losses under a less intensive farming and environment (LIFE) integrated system

Webster, C.P.; Conway, J.S.; Crew, Adrian P.; Goulding, K.W.T.

Abstract

Less Intensive Farming and Environment (LIFE) management is a form of integrated farming which aims to meet farming's economic and environmental requirements. We used a farm-scale LIFE demonstration to measure nitrogen (N) leaching losses over a 6 year period (1995-2001) using ceramic suction cups and a meteorological model to give estimates of drainage volumes. Losses from the system averaged 49 kg N ha-1, with an average drainage nitrate concentration of 15.5 mg N L-1. Rainfall and its distribution strongly influenced the loss, and drainage N concentration only fell below the nominal target of 11.3 mg N L-1 (the EU limit for potable water) in the two wettest seasons. Crop type did not have a significant effect on either postharvest mineral N (PHMN) in soil or the leaching loss in the subsequent winter. However PHMN and overwinter N leaching declined with increasing crop yield. Overwinter crop N uptake increased with early sowing: leaching loss was only 5 kg N ha-1 under grass sown in early September. Measurements of PHMN, crop sowing date and drainage data were used to construct simple equations to predict average drainage N concentration under various scenarios. The large N loss from our site is partially attributable to soil type (shallow over limestone), indeed on similar soil the loss from a conventional farm nearby was greater. The LIFE practices of postharvest harrowing and late cereal sowing will minimize the need for agrochemical use but they stimulate mineralization and reduce plant N uptake in autumn, leaving more N at risk to leaching. Some assessment of all environmental impacts is needed if the benefits of integrated practices such as those used in LIFE are to be quantified.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2003
• Journal: Soil Use and Management
• Print ISSN: 0266-0032
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 36-44
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2003.tb00277.x
• Keywords: nitrate, leaching, farming systems, arable farming, water quality
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1075112
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2003.tb00277.x