Nitrate nitrogen leaching in different agroecosystems (in karst zone and Middle Lithuania)

Abstract

The paper presents data on drainage runoff and nitrate nitrogen leaching from light loam and sandy loam soils (Birzai district in karst zone in Northern Lithuania and Kedainiai district in Middle Lithuania, respectively). The studies were Carried out in the period 1999-2001. The study was Aimed to evaluate the extent and peculiarities or nitrate nitrogen leaching by drainage in agricultural lands under different agro-climatic conditions. Results Showed That higher precipitations and bike air temperatures were characteristic for Northern Lithuania, Which resulted in a 16-17% higher runoff there compared with that in Middle Lithuania. In both objects NO3-N leaching was 3-7 times more intensive than in arable land in perennial grassland (here the concentrations in drainage waters were 2.4-3.6 times lower). After the harvest of cereals and grasses, nitrogen leaching Increased Particularly due to high runoff and concentrations.