Nitrate Dynamics in Fall Creek, New York

Abstract

Abstract Nitrate loss from a 330‐km 2 rural watershed in central New York was monitored over a 31‐month period. Seasonal NO 3 ‐N patterns were well defined with highest levels in the winter and lowest levels in the summer resulting from accumulation of NO 3 ‐N in the soil profile during the growing season and leaching during the winter months. Stream water at the outlet of the watershed studied is used as a source of drinking water for some 20,000 people. Nitrate‐N concentrations at the drinking water intake currently do not exceed 3 mg/liter. Human activities affected NO 3 ‐N levels, with dairying and sewage being the major contributors. If agriculture is expanded to its maximum acreage, keeping the present ratio of corn/hay/pasture/people, NO 3 ‐N levels at the drinking water intake will not exceed present standards for drinking water.