Authors:

Abstract

The leaching behaviour of NO₃^--N was evaluated through field experiments with those predicted by LEACHM-N, a uni-dimensional, water flow, solute transport and plant uptake model. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the application of LEACHM-N for predicting nitrate leaching in Batticaloa during Yala 2005. Field experiments were carried out from April 12^th 2005 to June 30^th 2005. The experimental treatments were 3 nitrogen rates (0, 70 and 140 kg N/ha) together with 3 irrigation rates (7, 14 and 30 mm) which resulted in 9 treatment combinations. The treatments were arranged in a split plot design in 3 replicates. Twenty seven cylindrical lysimeters with 1 m height and 50 cm diameter were built in at the experimental site. Outlets from each lysimeters were fixed with outflow pipes, directed to an underground sampling point, from where the water samples were collected. Red onion (Allium cepa; var. Vethalan) was planted in the lysimeters. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied 3 times during the cropping season. Irrigation water was delivered using a micro sprinkler system. Leachates from individual outlets were collected separately and NO₃^--N was determined spectrophotometrically by the Cadmium reduction method. A moderately good agreement has been found out in between the measured and the predicted NO₃^--N losses, but the model overestimated the losses. The treatment combination 140 kg N/ha with 30 mm of irrigation showed better simulation accuracy. It was also found out that the model was unable to predict preferential flow.

Keywords: LEACHM-N, leaching, sandy regosols,Yala, lysimeter, preferential flow

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v5i0.4089

J Sci.Univ.Kelaniya 5 (2010): 33-45

Keywords: LEACHM-N, leaching, sandy regosols, Yala, lysimeter, preferential flow