bibliographic citation
Banuls, J., Quinones, A., Primo-Millo, E. & Legaz, F. (2003). Improved eco-efficiency of nitrogen fertilization in citrus with nitrification inhibitor (DMPP). Valencian Agricultural Community, 22, 3-10.
Abstract
In the intensive agricultural areas of the Valencian Community, large quantities of fertilizer and irrigation water are supplied, and this is the main source of nitrate contamination of groundwater. In the coastal area of our Community, 66% of irrigated wells exceed 50 ppm of nitrate, exceeding the limit recommended by the EU (Legaz and Primo-Millo, 1992). When nitrogen is supplied in ammonia form, it becomes fixed in the cation exchange positions of clays or organic matter and is subsequently rapidly transformed into nitrate by nitrifying bacteria (McCarty and Bremner, 1989). In suitable conditions of temperature, aeration and soil humidity, nitrification can last from 20 to 40 days (Serna et al., 2000; Bañuls et al., 2000); being fastest in the summer, which is when the greatest inputs of fertilizers are made.
