Abstract
The water flow pattern and distribution in drip irrigated soil are different than those for conventional irrigation systems, to an extent that could drastically effect reactions of nutrient ions in the soil.
Ammonium applied through the irrigation system was not nitrified in the saturated zone below the emitter. Nitrification occurred in the unsaturated zone surrounding the central cylinder. Nitrate levels and number of nitrifying bacteria are low below the emitter and higher father away.
The residual nitrogen in the soil was found to be higher than that found for conventional irrigation plots. It does seem that application of ammonical fertilizer through a drip irrigation system is potentially a controlled release fertilizer system.
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Laher, M., Avnimelech, Y. Nitrification inhibition in drip irrigation systems. Plant Soil 55, 35–42 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02149706
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02149706