Impact of agricultural management on risks of nitrate leaching in crop rotations with potatoes and cereals

Abstract

There is concern about increased nitrate levels in drinking water due to potential impacts on human health. At the same time there are also concerns about the environmental impact of increased levels of nitrate in surface water systems; the increased amount of nitrate in surface water can cause eutrophication. It has become almost axiomatic that nitrate which comes from agriculture soils is one of the main drivers of the increased nitrate levels in water. Arable agriculture is considered to be one of the main sources of nitrate due to high rates of nitrogen fertiliser or manure application, non-synchronous application of fertiliser with crop demand and inappropriate management of soil and water. Therefore minimise nitrate losses from agriculture soils could help to reduce nitrate level in ground and surface waters. This PhD study aims to improve the recommendations that are available to farmers to minimise nitrate leaching from arable rotations under UK conditions by investigating the impact of typical agricultural management practices on the risks of nitrate leaching in crop rotations with potatoes and cereals. In the conclusion, the achievements of this PhD study are evaluated with reference to the original aims and objectives. Then recommendations for further work to develop the understanding of nitrate leaching in arable rotations are made