Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil
Published on: September 1, 2020
Maintaining intensive agriculture overlying aquifers using the threshold nitrate root-uptake phenomenon
Daniel Kurtzman1, Beeri Kanner1,2, Yehuda Levy1,3
1Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, the Volcani Center, Agricultural, Research Organization, POB 15159, Rishon LeZion, 750510, Israel.
A nitrate threshold concentration (Cmax) in soil reduces nitrate leaching to aquifers. Maintaining nitrogen fertigation below Cmax is crucial for summer-irrigated crops, ensuring agricultural sustainability and water quality.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Nitrate leaching from agricultural lands poses a significant threat to groundwater and aquifer quality.
- Managing nitrogen (N) fertilizer application is critical for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the theory and observations of a threshold nitrate concentration (Cmax) in the root zone.
- To evaluate the impact of Cmax on nitrate leaching across different crops and irrigation seasons.
- To determine optimal nitrogen fertigation strategies for minimizing nitrate leaching.
Main Methods:
- Container experiments with varying nitrogen fertigation levels.
- Calibration of nitrogen-transport models using data from commercial agricultural plots.
- Analysis of leachate nitrate concentrations and root-zone nitrate levels.
Main Results:
- A threshold concentration (Cmax) was identified, above which leachate nitrate concentration increases sharply.
- Cmax values ranged from 20-45 mg L⁻¹ NO₃-N for most crops studied.
- Summer-irrigated crops showed a dramatic Cmax effect, while winter crops exhibited less sensitivity.
- Lettuce, with a large leaching fraction, did not show a definable Cmax.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining nitrogen fertigation below Cmax significantly reduces nitrate leaching in summer-irrigated crops.
- This strategy supports the co-sustainability of intensive agriculture and aquifer water quality.
- For winter crops, the benefits of fertigation below Cmax are less robust, and for short-season crops like lettuce, alternative management is needed.
More Related Videos
08:05Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
Published on: October 7, 2020
12:50Continuous Instream Monitoring of Nutrients and Sediment in Agricultural Watersheds
Published on: September 26, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Responses to Salt Stress
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs