Evaluation of spatial and vertical variability of nitrogen and phosphorus in sewage-irrigated soil in Tongliao, China

The reuse of wastewater for the irrigation of farmlands is gaining popularity, and the nutrient leaching associated with wastewater irrigation is becoming a matter of concern. The variability of nitrogen and phosphorus fractions in wastewater-irrigated soil was investigated in both horizontal and vertical directions in Kongjiaxiang, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that wastewater irrigation resulted in the concentrations of available N and P being 40.36% and 66.49% higher, respectively, than those with groundwater irrigation. Different forms of N and P exhibited significantly different distribution patterns. Higher concentrations of NO3- and total available N, as well as of those of Ca-P and total available P were observed near wastewater irrigation channels. Ca-P has a spatial distribution pattern similar to that of available P. The concentrations of NO3- and NH4+ were the highest in top soil and decreased with depth. The complex interactions between nitrate leaching and nitrogen transformation processes (e.g., nitrification, denitrification, and mineralization) determined the vertical profile of NO3- . The significant amount of NH4+ loss inhibited its deep seepage. The Ca-bound compound contained more P than other inorganic fractions as a result of high Ca levels throughout the soil profile. The differences in the concentrations of Ca-bound P at different depths could be due to the upward flux or translocation of Ca from subsurface to surface soil and the sequestration of P.