Influence of drainpipe spacing on nitrate leaching and maize yield

Simunic, I. and Mesic, M. and Sraka, M. and Likso, T. and Coga, L. (2011) Influence of drainpipe spacing on nitrate leaching and maize yield. Cereal Research Communications, 39 (2). pp. 273-282. ISSN 0133-3720

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Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of nitrate leaching and maize yields in four drainpipe spacing variants (15 m, 20 m, 25 m and 30 m). The study was carried out at an experimental reclamation field during a period of five years (growing seasons). Maize was grown as the trial crop and the same agricultural practices were applied in all drainpipe spacing variants in all trial years. Nitrogen fertilization rates varied in different trial years (from 145 kg/ha/year to 175 kg/ha/year). The results indicate that nitrate concentrations in drainage water exceeded the allowable values in a larger part of the year (four to seven months) in all drainpipe spacing variants and maximum values were from 18.15 mg.dm⁻³ (drainpipe spacing of 15 m in 1999/00) up to 34.71 mg.dm⁻³ (drainpipe spacing of 25 m in 2002/03). Quantity of nitrogen leached differed from year to year and corresponded to the total nitrogen added with fertilization and annual precipitation. Statistically significant higher maize yields were achieved in most years with the drainpipe spacing of 15 m compared to other drainpipe spacing variants.

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