Strategies to Reduce Nitrate Leaching into Groundwater in Potato Grown in Sandy Soils: Case Study from North Central USA

There is increasing public concern to reduce nitrate pollution to groundwater, especially in sandy soils. Strategies to reduce nitrate leaching are developed to increase N use efficiency, reduce groundwater pollution, and increase tuber yield. A growing interest in N management should consider management strategies for N supply, soil moisture for transport, and crop N demand that are economical and compatible with local production systems. We present a review of the literature on conventional and innovative strategies for N, irrigation, and crop management for potato production in reducing N leaching in sandy soils. The amount of fertilizer-N should be decided based on an integrated evaluation of soil organic matter content, soil texture, residual soil N, crop residues, credit to organic N sources, crops to be grown including varieties and crop physiological needs, cropping systems, yield potential, water management, and N concentrations in irrigation water. Research advances have no quick fix for controlling NO3 leaching to groundwater. However, the best combination of proven strategies can reduce leaching potential significantly.