Amounts and relative significance of runoff types in the transport of nitrogen into a stream draining an agricultural watershed

Abstract

The concentration and amounts of NO3-N and TN transported in surface, accelerated subsurface, and subsurface runoff and stream flow draining a 20 ha pasture watershed were measured over a period of 3 yr. A slight decrease and increase of NO3-N and particulate N concentrations, respectively, were obtained with increased flow of the runoff types and stream, due to dilution and increased sediment transport, respectively. The concentration of NO3-N in surface, accelerated subsurface and subsurface runoff and stream flow averaged for the 3 yr was 0.3, 6.6, 4.8, and 4.6 mg 1−1, respectively, amounting to 0.5, 9.4, 11.6, and 16.8 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, transported annually. Although NO3-N accounted for only a minor proportion of the TN transported in surface runoff (10%) it was the main form of N (75%) transported in the other runoff types and in streamflow. Subsurface runoff contributed the major proportion of stream discharge (63%), and NO3-N (69%), particulate N (44%) and TN (65%) loading of the stream. The results are discussed in terms of non-point pollution of surface waters by NO3-N.