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Water Quality
by Eric Novey, NRCS
In a recent article by Brian Dougherty, Understanding Ag consultant, titled “Busting myths on the road to water quality” he discussed the significance of nitrogen source and how plants obtain nutrients in healthy soil. He notes that ammonium and nitrate are both inorganic forms of nitrogen, with nitrate being the most likely to leach because of its negative charge and higher water solubility.
However, ammonium does not leach due to its positive charge which binds it to clay particles. Furthermore, because nitrate needs three molecules of water to produce amino acids, it is the least effective type of nitrogen for plants and uses up photosynthetic energy. The article also dispels the misconception that nitrate leaching is inevitable and that cropping systems in the Midwest are “leaky.” It makes the case that management practices, rather than the soil itself, are the issue. To increase nitrogen-use efficiency and decrease leaching, the article recommends using amino acid-based forms of nitrogen, such as fish hydrolysate, algae, and seaweed-based products. These organic forms of nitrogen do not interfere with soil biology and give plants energy.
Brian notes to lessen nitrate leaching and nutrient application, nitrogen should be applied in conjunction with carbon. While nitrification inhibitors such as DCD and DMPP hinder or kill nitrifying organisms, humic-based products transform easily accessible forms of nitrogen back into organic N.
Programs including agricultural fertility, manure management, and herbicides should use humates, which are organic nutrient stabilizers that improve soil and plant health. The outdated nutrient acquisition model makes the incorrect assumption that plants obtain nutrients by absorbing them from soil solution, which is unreliable and results in subpar fertility management choices. Plants should provide nutrients to soil biology, and soil biology should receive carbon from plants.
Dougherty states degradation of soil and water quality is mostly caused by the antiquated model of plant nutrient uptake. By emphasizing the interdependence of soil, plant, animal, and human health, land grant colleges need to take the lead in tackling this problem.
Degradation of agricultural water quality can be addressed by farmers and landowners: prioritizing soil health, managing soil and plants as a single biological system, applying organic nitrogen, using fertilizers that are friendly to biology, and concentrating on cultivating pest-resistant, healthy plants that are linked to their soil microbiome.
Industry, government, academia, and consumers can: stop using engineering fixes that distort markets and instead redirect funds to 6P education and to yearly soil stewardship training for landowners, renters, and agribusiness staff. Additionally, it recommends regenerative land management by leveraging consumer purchasing power in conjunction with resources.
A biological approach to land management is necessary to address issues with agricultural water quality. To show their obligation to future generations, the farming community must band together as conscientious land stewards. Enhancing soil health and function through the application of the 6P method can have a substantial positive impact on water, profits, health, and the future.
