FIELD STUDY ON THE WATER QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF CITRUS GROVE SOIL LEACHATE

In this study, water quality characteristics of citrus grove soil leachate were investigated. Citrus grove soil contains nitrogen and phosphorus in high concentrations due to the high amount of fertilization, and its soil pH is also very low. Therefore it is considered that not only nutrients but also some problematic materials such as Al and Pb for aquatic livings and ecosystem at the watershed can be contained in the leachate. It is also concerned that the materials can be discharged into the downstream site as a result. It is observed that pH of leachate is in the range of neutral, and the concentration of Al is not at the level where the aquatic livings and ecosystem can be affected. However, some heavy metals can be discharged and nutrients can cause eutrophication. It is suggested that citrus grove can be a big nonpoint source of nutrients.