Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Modeling Nitrogen Dynamics under Maize on Ferralsols in Western Africa

  • Published:
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mathematical models may be applied to simulate nitrogen (N) dynamics under different types of soil and environmental conditions to assess fertilizer N needs or to predict nitrate-N (NO3–N) potential impact on water quality. The research version of LEACHMN was evaluated using data from lysimeters and field experiments conducted at the University of Lomé Research Farm in Togo, West Africa. The model was calibrated for the mineralization, nitrification, denitrification and volatilization rate constants with measured values of NO3–N leaching losses and maize (Zea mays L.) N uptake collected from the lysimeter experiment. The model was then tested against measured data of soil profile NO3–N distribution and maize N uptake from the field experiment and drainage water collected from the lysimeter experiment. The testing procedure involved two scenarios with increasing level of generalization for transformation rate constants (i) rate constant values for each N treatment and (ii) rate constant values averaged over N treatments. LEACHMN effectively simulated drainage water volume and rate (r 2= 0.94 to 0.99). During the calibration efforts, the model satisfactorily simulated NO3–N leaching losses (r 2= 0.98) and accurately simulated growing season cumulative maize N uptake. The variation of the calibrated rate constants among N treatments was primarily linked to the model's incapacity to accurately simulate maize N uptake throughout the growing period. When tested using calibrated rate constants for each treatment, the model was successful in simulating soil profile NO3–N distribution (r 2 = 0.52 to 0.94). Simulations of soil profile NO3–N distribution were not satisfactory (r 2= 0.03 to 0.49) when rate constants were averaged over N treatments. Improvement of the plant N uptake routine of the model is needed to increase the model’s performance. Using the LEACHMN model to predict N dynamics on the Ferralsols of southern Togo appears feasible when appropriate calibrations are performed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • T.M. Addiscott A.P. Whitmore (1987) ArticleTitleComputer simulation of changes in soil mineral nitrogen and crop nitrogen during autumn, winterand spring J. Agri. Sci. Camb. 109 141–157 Occurrence Handle10.1017/S0021859600081089

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • T.M. Addiscott A.P. Whitmore D.S. Powlson (1991) Farming, Fertilizerand the Nitrate Problem CAB International Wallingford, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • J.S. Angle C.M. Gross R.L. Hill M.S. McIntosh (1996) ArticleTitleSoil nitrate concentrations under corn as affected by tillagemanureand fertilizer applications J. Environ. Qual. 22 141–147 Occurrence Handle10.2134/jeq1993.00472425002200010018x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atchou Y.K. 1988. Problèmes rélatifs a l’utilisation des engrais au Togo. In: Tshibaka T.B. and Baanante C.A. (eds.) Fertilizer Policy in Tropical Africa1988. Workshop Proceedings. IFDC, IFPRI, LomeTogoApril 1988 pp. 84–93.

  • J. Baker H.P. Johnson (1981) ArticleTitleNitrate nitrogen in tile drainage as affected by fertilization J. Environ. Qual. 10 519–522

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Bergström N.J. Jarvis (1991) ArticleTitlePrediction of nitrate leaching losses from arable land under different fertilization intensities using the SOIL-SOILN models Soil Use Mgnt. 7 79–84

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Bergström H. Johnsson G. Torstensson (1991) ArticleTitleSimulation of soil nitrogen dynamics using the SOILN model Fert. Res. 27 181–188 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF01051126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • G.R. Blake K.H. Hartge (1986) Bulk density A. Klute (Eds) Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1 2nd ed., Agron. Monogr. 9 ASA and SSSA Madison, WI 364–367

    Google Scholar 

  • G.Ch. Borg P.E. Jansson B. Linden (1990) ArticleTitleSimulated and measured nitrogen conditions in a manured and fertilized soil Plant Soil 121 251–267 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3cXhslOnt7s%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00012319

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • B.L. Bumb (1989) Global Fertilizer Perspective1960–1995. Technical Bulletin T-35 International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), Muscle Shoals Alabama

    Google Scholar 

  • G. Campbell (1974) ArticleTitleA simple method for determining unsaturated conductivity from moisture retention data Soil Sci. 117 311–314

    Google Scholar 

  • W. Chin W. Kroontje (1963) ArticleTitleUrea hydrolysis and subsequent loss of ammonia Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 27 316–319 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaF2cXktVOntLw%3D Occurrence Handle10.2136/sssaj1963.03615995002700030030x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • C.B. Christianson P.L.G. Vlek (1991) Alleviating soil fertility constraints to food production in West Africa: Efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer applied to food crops A.N. Uzo (Eds) Alleviating Soil Fertility Constraints to Increased Crop Production in West Africa Kluwer Academic Publishers, in cooperation with IFDC Dordrecht/Boston/London

    Google Scholar 

  • D.E. Clay C.E. Clapp D.R. Linden J.A.E. Molina (1985a) ArticleTitleNitrogen-tillage-residue-management. I. Calibration of potential rate of nitrification by model simulation Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 49 322–325 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL2MXitVeitbw%3D Occurrence Handle10.2136/sssaj1985.03615995004900020009x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • D.E. Clay C.E. Clapp D.R. Linden J.A.E. Molina (1985b) ArticleTitleNitrogen-tillage-residue-management. II. Simulating soil and plant behavior by the model NCSWAP Plant Soil 84 67–77 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL2MXitVeitbc%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF02197868

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • E.D. Desmond A.D. Ward (2000) ADAPT: Agricultural Drainage and Pesticide Transport model. User manual. Version 5.1 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio

    Google Scholar 

  • E.D. Desmond A.D. Ward N.R. Fausey (1995) ArticleTitleNutrient component evaluation of the ADAPT water management model ASAE Publication 1995 5 IssueID95 21–30

    Google Scholar 

  • B. Fofana H. Breman R.J. Carsky H. Van Reuler A.F. Tamelokpo K.D. Gnakpenou (2004) ArticleTitleUsing mucuna and P fertilizer to increase maize grain yield and N fertilizer use efficiency in the coastal savanna of Togo Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst. 68 213–222 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhvF2lsro%3D Occurrence Handle10.1023/B:FRES.0000019457.43677.08

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Fried K. Tanji R.M. Pol Particlede (1976) ArticleTitleSimplified long-term concept for evaluating leaching of nitrogen from agricultural land J. Environ. Qual. 29 1813–1820

    Google Scholar 

  • G.H. Gee J.W. Bauder (1986) Particle size analysis A. Klute (Eds) Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1 2nd ed., Agron. Monogr. 9 ASA and SSSA Madison, WI 383–411

    Google Scholar 

  • J.L. Hutson (1986) ArticleTitleWater retentivity of some South African soils in relation to particle size criteria and bulk density S. Afr. J. Plant Soil. 3 151–155

    Google Scholar 

  • J.L. Hutson R.J. Wagenet (1991) ArticleTitleSimulating nitrogen dynamics in soils using a deterministic model Soil Use Mgnt. 7 74–78

    Google Scholar 

  • J.L. Hutson R.J. Wagenet (1992) LEACHMN: Leaching Estimation And Chemistry Model: A process-based model of water and solute movementtransformations, plant uptakeand chemical reactions in the unsaturated zone. Version 3 Dept of Soil, Crop, and Atmospheric Sciences Research series 92–3. Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • InstitutionalAuthorNameIFDC (International Fertilizer Development Center) (1993) Annual Report Muscle Shoals Alabama, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • InstitutionalAuthorNameIFDC (International Fertilizer Development Center) (1994) Annual Report Muscle Shoals Alabama, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • InstitutionalAuthorNameIITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture) (1982) Automated and Semi-automated Methods for soil and plant analysis. Manual series 7 IITA Ibadan, Nigeria

    Google Scholar 

  • W.P. Inskeep J.P. Wraith R.D. Synder R.E. Macur H.M. Gaber (1996) ArticleTitleInput parameter and resolution effects on prediction of solute transport J. Environ. Qual. 24 453–462 Occurrence Handle10.2134/jeq1996.00472425002500030011x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.D. Jabro J.D. Lotse D.D. Fritton D.E. Baker (1994) ArticleTitleEstimation of preferential movement of bromide tracer under field conditions J. Hydrol. 156 61–71 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXkvFWjurk%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-1694(94)90071-X

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P. Jansson R. Andersson (1988) ArticleTitleSimulation of runoff and nitrate leaching from an agricultural district in Sweden J. Hydrol. 99 33–47 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL1cXktFWns7g%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-1694(88)90076-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jemison J.M. Jr. 1991. Nitrate leaching from soil measured with zero-tension pan lysimeters as influenced by nitrogen fertilizer rate and manure application: Field estimates and model predictions. PhD dissertation. Pennsylvania State Univ, Univ. Park.

  • J.M. Jemison SuffixJr. R.H. Fox (1992) ArticleTitleEstimation for zero-tension pan lysimeter collection efficiency Soil Sci. 154 85–94 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK38XmtFWms7g%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.M. Jemison SuffixJr. J.D. Jabro R.H. Fox (1994a) ArticleTitleEvaluation of LEACHMN: Simulation of cumulative drainagebromide leaching, and corn bromide uptake Agron. J. 86 843–851 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXitlKjsLY%3D Occurrence Handle10.2134/agronj1994.00021962008600050018x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.M. Jemison SuffixJr. J.D. Jabro R.H. Fox (1994b) ArticleTitleEvaluation of LEACHMN: Simulation of nitrate leaching from nitrogen-fertilized and manured corn Agron. J. 86 852–859 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXitlKjsLc%3D Occurrence Handle10.2134/agronj1994.00021962008600050019x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Johnsson L. Bergström P. Jansson K. Paustian (1987) ArticleTitleSimulated nitrogen dynamics and losses in a layered agricultural soil Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 18 333–356 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0167-8809(87)90099-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • E.J. Kladivko G.E. Scoyoc ParticleVan E.J. Monke K.M. Oates W. Pask (1991) ArticleTitlePesticide and nutrient movement into subsurface tile drains on a silt loam soil in Indiana J. Environ. Qual. 20 264–271 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXhsV2kt7k%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Klute (1986) Water retention: laboratory methods A. Klute (Eds) Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1 2nd ed. Agron. Monogr. 9 ASA and SSSA Madison, WI 635–661

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Klute C. Dirksen (1986) Hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity: laboratory methods A. Klute (Eds) Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1 2nd ed. Agron. Monogr. 9 ASA and SSSA Madison, WI 687–734

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Lamouroux (1969) Carte pédologique du Togo au 1/1000000 Paris, Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique Outre-merCentre ORSTOM de Lomé Togo

    Google Scholar 

  • K. Loague R.E. Green (1991) ArticleTitleStatistical and graphical methods for evaluating solute transport models: Overview and application J. Contam. Hydrol. 7 51–73 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXktFCru74%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/0169-7722(91)90038-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • E.G. Lotse J.D. Jabro K.E. Simmons D.E. Baker (1992) ArticleTitleSimulation of nitrogen dynamics and leaching from arable soils J. Contam. Hydrol. 10 183–196 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK38XlvFSqsb8%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/0169-7722(92)90060-R

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • D. Louette (1988) Synthèse des travaux de recherche sur la fertilité des terres de barre au Bénin et au Togo CIRAD-DSA Montpellier, France 34

    Google Scholar 

  • F.R. Magdoff D. Ross J. Amadon (1984) ArticleTitleA soil test for nitrogen availability to corn Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 48 1301–1304 Occurrence Handle10.2136/sssaj1984.03615995004800060020x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.A.E. Molina C.E. Clapp M.J. Shaffer F.W. Chichester W.E. Larson (1983) ArticleTitleNCSOIL, a model of nitrogen and carbon transformations in soil: description, calibration, and behavior Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 47 85–91 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL3sXht1Cku7c%3D Occurrence Handle10.2136/sssaj1983.03615995004700010017x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • C. Pieri (1989) Fertilité des terres des savanes. Bilan de trente ans de recherche et de développement agricole au sud du Sahara CIRAD France 444

    Google Scholar 

  • K.D. Pennell A.G. Hornsby R.E. Jessup P.S.C. Rao (1990) ArticleTitleEvaluation of five simulation models for predicting aldicarb and bromide behavior under field conditions Water Resour. Res. 26 2679–2693 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXitlClt7g%3D Occurrence Handle10.1029/90WR01702

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • L. Prunty B.R. Montgomery (1991) ArticleTitleLysimeter study of nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation rate on quality of recharge water and corn yield J. Environ. Qual. 20 373–380

    Google Scholar 

  • C. Ramos E.A. Carbonell (1991) ArticleTitleNitrate leaching and soil moisture prediction with the LEACHMN model Fert. Res. 27 171–180 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXktVOmsbk%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF01051125

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • G.W. Randall S.D. Evans T.K. Iragavaparu (1997) ArticleTitleLong-term P and K applications: II. Effect on corn and soybean yields and plant P and K concentrations J. Prod. Agric. 10 572–580

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Raunet (1973) ArticleTitleContribution a l’étude pédologique des terres de barre du Dahomey et du Togo Agron. Trop. 28 1049–1069

    Google Scholar 

  • Rawls W.J. and Brakensiek D.L. 1985. Agricultural management effects on soil water retention. In: Decoursey D.G. (ed.), 1985. Proceedings of the 1983 Natural Resources Modeling Symposium. US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, ARS-30, 532 p.

  • G.W. Roth R.H. Fox (1990) ArticleTitleSoil nitrate accumulations following corn fertilized at various N rates in Pennsylvania J. Environ. Qual. 19 243–248

    Google Scholar 

  • H. Saragoni R. Olivier R. Poss (1991) ArticleTitleDynamique et lixiviation des éléments minéraux Agron. Trop. 45 259–273

    Google Scholar 

  • InstitutionalAuthorNameSAS Institute (2003) SAS User’s Guide SAS Inst Cary, NC

    Google Scholar 

  • K.D. Shepherd M.J. Soule (1998) ArticleTitleSoil fertility management in west Kenya: dynamic simulation of productivity, profitability and sustainability at different resource endowment levels Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 71 131–145 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0167-8809(98)00136-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • W.N. Smith W.D. Reynolds R. Jong Particlede R.S. Clemente E. Topp (1995) ArticleTitleWater flow through intact soil columns: measurement and simulation using LEACHMN J. Environ. Qual. 24 874–891 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXot1Wks7w%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.D. Snyder J.A. Trofymow (1984) ArticleTitleA rapid accurate wet oxidation diffusion procedure for determining organic carbon and inorganic carbon in plant and soil samples Cmmun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 15 587–597 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL2cXkvV2lsrw%3D Occurrence Handle10.1080/00103628409367499

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.M. Sogbedji (1986) Alimentation en eau du maïs dans la région maritime et influence de la fumure potassique sur la culture au Togo méridional Mémoire d’Ingénieur AgronomeUniversité de Lomé, Ecole Supérieure d’Agronomie Lomé, Togo

    Google Scholar 

  • J.M. Sogbedji H.M. Es Particlevan J.L. Hutson (2001a) ArticleTitleN fate and transport under variable cropping history and fertilizer rate on loamy sand and clay loam soils: Calibration of the LEACHMN model Plant Soil 229 57–70 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXitFars7s%3D Occurrence Handle10.1023/A:1004875116644

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.M. Sogbedji H.M. Es Particlevan J.L. Hutson L.D. Geohring (2001b) ArticleTitleN fate and transport under variable cropping history and fertilizer rate on loamy sand and clay loam soils: Performance of LEACHMN using different calibration scenarios Plant Soil 229 71–82 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXitFars7g%3D Occurrence Handle10.1023/A:1004827200714

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.M. Sogbedji H.M. Es Particlevan C.L. Yang L.D. Geohring F.R. Magdoff (2000) ArticleTitleNitrate leaching and nitrogen budget as affected by maize nitrogen rate and soil type J. Environ. Qual. 29 1813–1820 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXosVGkt7s%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tossah B.K. 2000. Influence of soil properties and organic inputs on phosphorus cycling in herbaceous legume-based cropping systems in the West African derived savanna. PhD Thesis No. 428, K.U.Leuven, Belgium.

  • H. Bosch ParticleVan den J.N. Gitari V.N. Ogaro S. Maobe J. Vlaming (1998) ArticleTitleMonotoring nutrient flows and economic performance in African farming systems (NUTMON). III. Monitoring nutrient flows and balances in three districts in Kenya Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 71 63–80 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0167-8809(98)00132-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A.M.A. Linden ParticleVan der J.A. Veen ParticleVan M. Frissel (1987) ArticleTitleModeling soil organic matter levels after long-term applications of crop residues, and farmyard and green manures Plant Soil 10 21–28 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF02371026

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • H.M. Es Particlevan T.S. Steenhuis L.D. Geohring J. Vermeulen J. Boll (1991) Movement of surface-applied and soil-embodied chemicals to drainage lines in a well-structyred soil T.J. Gish A. Shirmohammadi (Eds) Preferential Flow ASAESt. Joseph MI 59–67

    Google Scholar 

  • H.M. Es Particlevan C.L. Es Particlevan (1993) ArticleTitleSpatial nature of randomization and its effect on the outcome of field experiments Agron. J. 85 420–428 Occurrence Handle10.2134/agronj1993.00021962008500020046x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.G. Watts R.J. Hanks (1978) ArticleTitleA soil–water–nitrogen model for irrigated corn on sandy soils Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 42 492–499 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaE1cXkvV2gu7w%3D Occurrence Handle10.2136/sssaj1978.03615995004200030024x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • C.J. Willmott (1981) ArticleTitleOn the validation of models Phys. Geogr. 2 184–194

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Wolf H. Keulen Particlevan (1989) ArticleTitleModeling long-term crop response to fertilizer and soil nitrogen. II. Comparison with field results Plant Soil 120 27–38

    Google Scholar 

  • E.K. Yiridoe R.P. Veroney A. Weersink (1997) ArticleTitleImpact of alternative farm management practices on nitrogen pollution of groundwater: Evaluation and application of CENTURY model J. Environ. Qual. 26 1255–1263 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXmsFeqtbo%3D Occurrence Handle10.2134/jeq1997.2651255x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jean M. Sogbedji.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sogbedji, J.M., van Es, H.M. & Agbeko, K.L. Modeling Nitrogen Dynamics under Maize on Ferralsols in Western Africa. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 74, 99–113 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-005-5729-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-005-5729-7

Keywords

Navigation