| Citation |
Zebarth, B.J., B Hii, H Liebscher, S.Y Szeto; 1998; Agricultural Land Use Practices and Nitrate Contamination in the Abbotsford Aquifer, British Columbia, Canada; AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT 69(2):99-112 · MAY 1998; |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Spatial and temporal variation of nitrate contamination was assessed in a study area within the Canadian portion of the Abbotsford/Sumas Aquifer. Elevated nitrate concentrations were observed over a wide portion of the aquifer. The results are consistent with a wide-spread, non-point source of contamination. The spatial distribution of high nitrate concentrations appeared to correlate with agricultural land use patterns. A nitrogen budget calculation was performed based on nitrogen additions and losses to the root zone of the agricultural land in a study area located over the aquifer, using 1971, 1981 and 1991 census data. Nitrogen additions exceeded N removals by 134, 185, and 245 kg N ha−1 in 1971, 1981, and 1991, respectively, indicating a high potential for nitrate leaching to occur. The results highlight the potential for intensification of animal production, and the de-coupling of animal and crop production, to affect ground water quality. |
