Direct field measurements of leaching losses of nitrogen in pasture and cropping soils using tension lysimeters

Abstract

A method for direct field measurement of leaching losses of soil N is described. Tension lysimeter plates are inserted in the soil profile with minimum disturbance of the soil above the plates. The method was used to measure leaching losses of N in soils under pasture, fallow and wheat. Leaching losses were highest under pasture, followed by fallow and wheat.