A FIELD-BASED INVESTIGATION OF NITROGEN LEACHING AND NITRATE CONTAMINATION IN GROUNDWATER FROM CONVENTIONAL FERTILIZATION PRACTICES

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in intensive agriculture has led to critical environmental challenges, notably groundwater contamination and declining soil health. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative impacts of various fertilizer types—synthetic, organic, and nanochitin—on soil nitrogen dynamics, microbial activity, and nitrogen use efficiency. Field and laboratory analyses revealed that nitrate-based synthetic fertilizers significantly increased groundwater nitrate concentrations, posing ecological and health risks. In contrast, nanochitin application improved microbial biomass, enhanced enzymatic activity, maintained optimal soil pH, and minimized nitrogen losses through leaching and volatilization. Nanochitin-treated plots recorded the highest crop yield (5.6 tons/ha) and nitrogen use efficiency (62%), outperforming traditional fertilizers. Enzyme activity assays and nitrogen transformation studies indicated that microbial processes were more stable and efficient under nanochitin treatment. Visual analysis using bar plots, line graphs, and scatter plots confirmed these trends and underscored the correlation between soil acidification and nitrate leaching. This integrative research demonstrates that bio-based fertilizers like nanochitin not only enhance agronomic performance but also mitigate environmental degradation. The findings advocate for a transition towards sustainable fertilizer practices to balance productivity and ecological health in modern agriculture.