Abstract
The aim of the present study is the understanding of N leaching and uptake in an experimental crop. The experiment was carried out in one of the European aquifers most polluted by agricultural practices (Maresme area, Barcelona, Spain) and performed on a widespread crop in the area. The study aimed to determine the effect of continuous fertigation regimes through drip irrigation on N uptake and leaching as well as on the yield of strawberries. Irrigation regimes were imposed by watering when suction was −0.01 MPa (wet) and −0.07 MPa (dry) in the root zone. The nutrient solution was the same for both treatments. Foliage and fruit N concentration did not differ between the treatments, but N uptake was higher in the wet treatment; as a result, plant production and biomass increased. Nitrate nitrogen (NO 3-N) leachates under the root zone were 1535 and 471 kg N ha −1, respectively; N uptake was 12% and 23% of the total applied. The wet irrigation regime resulted in significantly increased yields. Experimental conditions revealed a slow transit time through the vadose zone. Management practices should be improved to account for crop needs and thus, improve N uptake efficiency and reduce N leaching.
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