Effects of irrigation with vinasse and the dynamics of its constituents in the soil. I. Physical and chemical aspects

• Published in: Water science and technology 1987-08, Vol.19 (8), p.155-165
• Main Authors: Cunha, R.C. de A, Costa, A.C.S, Maset Filho, B, Casarini, D.C.P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Constituents; Dynamics; Groundwater; groundwater contamination; Groundwater pollution; Irrigation; Irrigation effects; Leaching; Lysimeters; lysimetry; Motivation; nitrates; Nitrogen; physicochemical properties; Pollution; Pollution abatement; Potassium; Saccharides; Saccharum; Soil; Soil dynamics; Soil pollution; Soils; Sugar; Sugarcane; Tensiometers; Tensometers; Vinasse; Wastewater
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.2166/wst.1987.0054

With the intention of understanding the dynamics of some of the constituents of vinasse, and to evaluate the risks of groundwater pollution due to sugarcane irrigation with this wastewater, a study was carried out from October 1984 to June 1985 in Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil. Vinasse was sprinkled at a rate of 800 m3/ha by a hydraulic big gun. This applied 804.76 kg/ha of potassium and 305.86 kg/ha of nitrogen. The leaching of K and NO3. was measured by the use of tensiometers and tension lysimeters installed at various depths. It was concluded that the methodology is acceptable as a procedure for field research. Potassium and nitrate did not leach as expected. After 6 months, only 0.34 kg/ha of potassium and 0.41 kg/ha of nitrate had leached to below 120 cm. The roles of soil and plants were very important in preventing groundwater pollution. The soil retained part of the applied potassium, and the sugar-cane plants absorbed a large part of the N and K applied to the soil.