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Calculation of parameters for the evaluation of the leaching of salts under field conditions, illustrated by nitrate

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Summary

On eight different soil profiles the leaching of applied nitrate was studied under field conditions. This process can be described by the theory of Glueckauf. But after a correction it also proved possible to use the less complicated equation of Day.

Using this modification of Day the distribution factorK could be calculated for different soil profiles. This factor is a measure for the vertical dispersion of soluble substances in the soil profile. It was found that it is closely related with the air content in the soil at pF 2.0.

The value ofK is about 8–12 cm at air contents higher than 10%, with a small effect of the depth of the profile. Below 10% air (clay soils)K increases strongly with the profile depth. This is caused by cracks in the subsoil.

In columns filled in with soil the value ofK is about three times smaller. This makes it impossible to use the distribution factor of column experiments in field work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Soil Fertility, Haren-Groningen, Netherlands

    G. J. Kolenbrander

Authors
  1. G. J. Kolenbrander
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Additional information

The present paper already appeared in Comm. Hydrol. Onderzoek, TNO Verslag. Meded.15, 59–73 (1969).

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Kolenbrander, G.J. Calculation of parameters for the evaluation of the leaching of salts under field conditions, illustrated by nitrate. Plant Soil 32, 439–453 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01372882

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01372882

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