ARS | Publication request: DENITRIFICATION IN POORLY-DRAINED CULTIVATED AND NATURALLY VEGETATED RIPARIAN ZONES

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The denitrification potential of a naturally vegetated grass riparian zone (NGR) was compared to that of a cultivated grass seed riparian zone (CGR). Both areas are located on a poorly-drained soil series (Dayton-Amity). Denitrification potential in the NGR was consistently low in both soil series with a maximum of 6.3 g N2 ha**-1 d**-1. The denitrification potential of the Amity soil series in the CGR was consistent with levels averaging 150 to 200 g N2 ha**-1 d**-1. Denitrification activity in the Dayton soil series of the CGR varied up to a maximum N2 emission rate of 520 g N2 ha**-1 d**-1. Nitrate-N levels in the CGS averaged 5 to 12 times higher than those of the NGR. The greater denitrification potential of the CGR likely reflects fertilizer applications in contrast to no fertilizer addition to the NGR. Nitrate-N does not appear to encroach from the CGR into the NGR. These denitrification potential data show there is the possibility for significant losses of a fertilizer N from the CGR