Runoff Losses in Nitrogen and Phosphorus From Paddy and Maize Cropping Systems: A Field Study in Dongjiang Basin, South China

Surface runoff is one of the predominant routes for agricultural nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses, yet their characteristics and corresponding control measures are not fully understood. In 2019 and 2020, field-scale plot experiments were performed at Dongjiang Basin in South China to investigate the characteristics of N and P runoff losses from paddy and maize cropping systems. The results showed that N and P losses from maize fields via surface runoff (27.85 and 1.24 kg ha(-1) year(-1)) were significantly higher than those from paddy fields (15.37 and 0.8 kg ha(-1) year(-1)). The main forms of N losses were nitrate (NO3--N) and ammonium (NH4+-N) in paddy and maize fields, respectively, whereas particulate P form predominated in surface runoff losses from both the paddy and maize fields. Considerable proportions of agricultural N and P (71-83% of the total runoff loss) were lost during basal fertilization and first topdressing application. Moreover, frequent rainfall events following fertilizer application triggered N and P losses from the monitored fields. About 26.22 and 37.48% of N fertilizer was recovered from grains and straw of paddy and maize, respectively, whereas only 12.35 and 19.51% of P fertilizer were recovered during the crop harvesting stage. Surface runoff was one of the dominant liquid pathways in N loss, whereas most of P loss (introduced from fertilizers without crops utilization) was fixed in the soil. Principal component analysis (PCA) proved that the primary sources of N and P losses were fertilizers rather than N and P in the soil. The current results suggest controlled management relating to fertilization, irrigation, and tillage strategies are effective measures for reducing N and P losses, thereby controlling agricultural non-point source pollution. It is hoped that this study will provide comprehensive field-based inputs on characteristics of N and P runoff losses and formulate appropriate control strategies to protect aquatic environments from eutrophication.

Automated summary

Surface runoff is a major pathway for agricultural nitrogen and phosphorus losses, with maize fields exhibiting significantly higher losses compared to paddy fields. Nitrate and ammonium were the main forms of nitrogen losses in paddy and maize fields, while particulate phosphorus form predominated in both systems. Effective management strategies related to fertilization, irrigation, and tillage can help reduce N and P losses and control non-point source pollution.