Honors Program

 

Date of this Version

Spring 4-26-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Richards, K. 2024. Linking Nitrogen Species within the Vadose Zone with Surface Irrigation. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Copyright Kaitlyn Richards 2024.

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between irrigation methods and the mobilization of nitrogen in the vadose zone, focusing on soil properties, water dynamics, and nitrogen species distribution. Data collected from dryland and pivot-irrigated soil cores reveal distinct patterns in water content, bulk density, soil texture, pH, conductivity, and nitrogen concentrations. Results indicated that water content has a major influence in nitrogen availability and microbial activity. Nitrate-N and ammonium-N concentrations varied between dryland and pivot soils, with notable disparities observed. In dryland soils, nitrate-N concentrations varied widely across depth intervals, with notable accumulation in deeper layers, while ammonium-N concentrations exhibited a similar trend. Pivot soils showed less variability in nitrate-N and ammonium-N concentrations, with lower values observed across depth intervals. These findings have significant implications for nitrogen leaching, groundwater contamination risks, and nutrient management strategies in agricultural systems. Overall, this research underscores the importance of understanding irrigation-method-specific soil dynamics and nitrogen cycling processes for optimizing soil fertility, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability in agricultural systems.

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