Effect of Ditching, Fertilization, and Herbicide Application on Groundwater Levels and Groundwater Quality in a Flatwood Spodosol

Abstract

Groundwater levels and associated water quality parameters were studied in a young slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) plantation following ditching, fertilization, and herbicide application. Drainage ditches surrounding each watershed significantly lowered groundwater levels up to 45 m from the ditch for mean and high water table conditions. Drainage ditches were not deep enough to signifkantly influence groundwater levels during drier periods. A seasonal pattern in nutrient migration to the groundwater was exemplified by NH₄-N, NO₃-N, K, Ca, and Mg. Concentration of each nutrient was greatest in July following a dry spring. Potassium was the only nutrient which increased significally in &he groundwater due to fertilization. The herbicide sulfometuron methyl [methyl 2-[[[[L(4,6-dimethyl-2 pyrimidinyl)-amino] carbonyl] amino] sulfonyl benzoate] was not detected in any groundwater samples.

Citation

Segal, D.S.; Neary, D.G.; Best, G.R.; Michael, J.L. 1987. Effect of Ditching, Fertilization, and Herbicide Application on Groundwater Levels and Groundwater Quality in a Flatwood Spodosol. In: Proceedings, Florida Soil and Crop Science Society 1986 Annual Meeting. 14-16 October 1987; Soil and Crop Science Society. 46: 107-112.