Analysis of Selected Water Quality Indicators from Runoff during Potato Cultivation after Natural Precipitation

Petra Oppeltová, Pavel Kasal, František Krátký and Jana Hajšlová
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Petra Oppeltová: Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Pavel Kasal: Potato Research Institute Havlíčkův Brod, Ltd., 580 01 Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic
František Krátký: Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
Jana Hajšlová: Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic

Agriculture, 2021, vol. 11, issue 12, 1-24

Abstract: When growing wide-row crops on sloped lands, there is significant surface runoff. In relation to the runoff process, potatoes are classified as a risk crop. This study aimed to grow potatoes in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, where the protection zone of the water supply reservoir of Švihov is also located. At selected experimental areas, water samples were taken after precipitation events when surface runoff and water erosion occurred. These samples were analysed (nitrates, total P, and selected pesticides used for potato growing) in an accredited laboratory. We located three different variants of nitrogen fertilisation in each experimental area. Precipitation and the amount of water from surface runoff after each higher precipitation event were also measured in the experimental areas. By knowing the acreage of each experimental area, the volume of surface runoff water and the concentration of nitrates, phosphorus, and pesticides, it was possible to calculate the balance of these substances. We also calculated the percentage of surface runoff. The results imply that a new potato cultivator in the technology of stone windrowing should be designed for weed control as part of a weed control system with reduced herbicide application requirements. Innovative agrotechnical processes reducing pollution of water sources by phosphorus and nitrates should also be enhanced. These are based on a precise application of mineral fertiliser into the root area of plants within the period of an intensive intake of nutrients.

Keywords: pesticides; residues; nitrates; phosphorus; water protection; water quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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