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Redox Potentials and Denitrification in a Cropped Potato Processing Waste Water Disposal Field¹

ABSTRACT

Many potato processors apply processing waste water containing nitrogen and other plant nutrients to cropped land. More than 1 metric ton of N per hectare was applied each year when waste water application averaged 230 cm/year on one field for 2 years. Less than 300 kg N/ha was recovered in the harvested grass hay, and only about 15 kg N/ha leached each season. Redox measurements made at several depths from 5 to 150 cm showed poorly aerated zones in the soil profile because of a high water table during the summer. Under these conditions, nitrate leached into these poorly aerated zones would be denitrified. Sufficient decomposable organic matter was present to provide energy for denitrification.

Key Words: flood irrigation • nitrate • chemical oxygen demand

¹ Contribution from the Western Region, Agric. Res. Serv., USDA. This research was supported in part by a grant from the Idaho Potato Comm.

² Soil Scientist, Snake River Conserv. Res. Center, Kimberly, ID 83341; Research Microbiologist, and Biological Science Technician, U. S. Water Conserv. Lab., Phoenix, AZ 85040.

Received for publication November 14, 1975.