Abstract
The effect of long-term no-tillage and ploughing on the distribution and leaching of mineral nitrogen was studied on two different arable soils, a Luvic Phaeozem derived from loess and an Eutric Cambisol. The mineral nitrogen concentrations were determined by extracting fresh soil samples with a solution of 1 N NaCl + 0.1 N CaCl2 2 H2O (Nmin).Direct drilling reduced mineral nitrogen contents, compared to ploughing, in the loamy soil only (0-60 cm). Sampling date (from May 1987 to February 1989) had a greater effect than cultivation treatment, especially in the sandy soil. The distribution of mineral nitrogen down to 120 cm soil depth indicated, with one exception, reduced nitrate leaching in the no-tillage treatment during winter. This was probably caused by physical conservation of nitrate in the soil matrix combined with macropore flow. However, heavy precipitation immediately after a fertilizer application can lead to enhanced leaching and in this case contribute to greater loading of the ground water than in the ploughed soil.
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