Assessment of soil-groundwater nitrogen cycling processes in the agricultural region through flux model, stable isotope

Abstract

The nitrogen cycle in the soil-groundwater system of agricultural land is a crucial process within the global nitrogen cycle. Human activities have significantly intensified this cycling process in agricultural fields, consequently leading to substantial accumulation of nitrogen in the soil-groundwater system and giving rise to numerous ecological health issues. Quantitative assessment of soil-groundwater nitrogen cycling processes can facilitate the optimization of nitrogen management strategies in agricultural fields and the prevention and management of groundwater nitrogen pollution. However, accurately quantifying the intricate soil-groundwater nitrogen cycling dynamics in agro-irrigation areas characterized by diverse nitrogen sources and complex hydrogeological conditions poses a significant challenge. The Songhua River Basin in the Sanjiang Plain was selected as the study area for this investigation. We utilized the INCA-N model to simulate annual nitrogen fluxes in the soil-groundwater system of an agricultural watershed, and employed stable isotope and water chemistry methods to identify sources of groundwater nitrogen contamination and transformation processes. Ultimately, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of nitrogen cycling within the soil-groundwater system of the agricultural watershed. The findings revealed that atmospheric deposition, nitrogen fixation, and fertilization constituted the primary mechanisms of soil nitrogen input. Plant uptake, riverine nitrogen transport, and denitrification were identified as the three principal processes responsible for soil-groundwater nitrogen export. The results obtained from the MIXSIAR model demonstrate a substantial contribution of nitrogen fertiliser and soil nitrogen to groundwater nitrate, followed by faeces and sewage. Additionally, the annual input fluxes of nitrogen simulated by INCA-N reveal that fertiliser application is the primary contributor, which aligns to some extent with the findings of the MIXSIAR model. Soil nitrogen can serve as a relatively stable source of groundwater nitrate, while anthropogenic activities such as fertilizer application, manure deposition, and sewage discharge are likely to be the primary drivers of groundwater nitrate pollution. By quantifying the N input and output fluxes, it was determined that approximately 58% of the total annual nitrogen input has the potential to accumulate within the soil-groundwater system. The effective utilization of legacy nitrogen can contribute to the reduction of soil-groundwater nitrogen fluxes, while maintaining crop yields and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to optimize nitrogen management practices in agricultural areas and provide valuable insights for water conservation strategies.