Reduction of Nitrate Loadings to Ground Water

Abstract

AbstractNon‐point source pollution of ground water systems has become a national concern in recent years. Researchers and regulatory agencies are investigating the source and processes of the contamination. Agricultural best management practices (BMPs) traditionally developed to reduce non‐point source pollution of surface water resources are being investigated for their impact on ground water quality. This study used the CREAMS model to simulate the long‐term effects of seven different BMPs on nitrate nitrogen (NO3‐N) loadings to a shallow, unconfined ground water system. Two representative watersheds, 5.8 and 8.9 hectares (14.3 and 22 acres) in area, in the Coastal Plain physiographic region of Maryland were selected for study. Soils in these watersheds belong to the Matapeake silt loam series and have moderate infiltration capacity. Results from this study indicated that BMPs used in conjunction with winter cover (barley) reduced NO3‐N leaching to the ground water system. It was also found that turfgrass reduced surface losses of water and nitrogen, but increased leaching losses of water and NO3‐N significantly. All of the BMPs simulated in this study resulted in leachate NO3‐N concentrations exceeding 10 ppm, the U.S. EPA health standard for public drinking water, indicating a need for alternate practices for reducing nitrate leaching.