leaching and liming in agriculture. advantages of liming.
effect of leaching and how to control it. leaching is a very critical situation in the agricultural production process where water percolation in the soil washes soil nutrients far away from the reach of plants\’ roots
WHAT IS LEACHING?
to avoid speaking big, I want to simplify what is leaching in agriculture. this is washing away of plant nutrients from the topsoil further from the reach plant roots
Leaching is the loss or extraction of certain materials from a carrier into a liquid (usually, but not always a solvent).
and may refer to Leaching (agriculture), the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil; or applying a small amount of excess irrigation to avoid soil salinity. normal
A COMMON REMEDY for the loss of plant nutrients IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IS THE APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS.
This is defined as the washing down or downward movement of soil nutrients beyond the reach of the roots of crop plant.
This is usually as a result of too much rainfall.
It is more on sandy soil than any other type of soil. On the savannah parts of west Africa, Leaching is not so much due to the low rate of rainfall, however, the rate of rainfall is much greater than the rate of evaporation.
This means that water remains in the soil for a longer period of time thereby causing a fast chemical drain beyond the reach of plant roots
COMMON REMEDY IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IS THE APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS.
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where can leaching take place
Leaching in plants can happen in potting containers. Once the chemicals have drained down through the soil, they can leave a crust of soluble salts on the surface, which makes it hard for the soil to absorb water.
Removing this crust with water is the other type of leaching.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Types Of Leaching: Info On Leaching Garden Plants And Soil
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The effects of leaching
While leaching can have various applications, such as in mining or environmental remediation, it can also have both positive and negative effects on the environment and human health. Here are some of the effects of leaching:
Environmental Contamination: This can lead to the contamination of soil, water, and groundwater. When a liquid solvent percolates through a solid material,
it can dissolve and carry away various substances, including heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants.
These dissolved contaminants can then contaminate nearby water sources, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain.
Soil Degradation: This can contribute to soil degradation by depleting essential nutrients from the soil. When water-soluble nutrients, such as nitrates or potassium, are leached out of the soil,
it can negatively impact plant growth and agricultural productivity.
Excessive leaching can also result in soil erosion, as the movement of water through the soil can wash away the topsoil, which is rich in organic matter.
Acidification: In certain situations, It can lead to the acidification of soil and water.
For example, acid rain, which is formed when sulfur and nitrogen compounds from industrial emissions mix with water in the atmosphere, can leach into the soil,
lowering its pH and making it more acidic. Acidic soils can hinder plant growth and adversely affect soil microorganisms.
Groundwater Depletion: Excessive leaching can contribute to the depletion of groundwater resources.
If water-soluble substances are continuously leached into the ground, they can accumulate in the groundwater, making it unsuitable for drinking or irrigation purposes.
Overexploitation of groundwater through leaching can lead to lowered water tables and the drying up of wells.
Contaminant Transport: It facilitates the transport of contaminants over long distances.
Once pollutants are dissolved in a liquid solvent, they can be carried by water currents, potentially spreading the contamination far beyond the original source.
This can have severe implications for both human and environmental health.