Eisaku Shiratani

Dissolved nitrogen model for paddy field ponded water during irrigation period

Based on an experimental field study in Japan, a model was developed to simulate dissolved nitrogen in water ponded in a paddy field. As input data, the model uses meteorological data, water balance in the field, nitrogen concentration in inlet water, and the nitrogen contribution of applied fertilizer. Five model parameters need calibration. A practical application of the model is the simulation of NH4-N and NO2+3-N concentrations in water ponded in a paddy field. The model improves our understanding of the interactions between forms of dissolved nitrogen in ponded water and can explain the complex changes in dissolved nitrogen concentrations in water ponded on a paddy field.

Water-saving irrigation of paddy field to reduce nutrient runoff.

The purpose of this work is to study the effect of a type of water-saving irrigation (WSI) on nutrient runoff of paddy field. The volume of surface drainage was maintained low by WSI. In particular, WSI effectively reduced surface drainage in rain events. Model simulation indicated that net runoff load of total nitrogen (TN) from the paddy field was increased by WSI. Meanwhile, net runoff loads of total phosphorus (TP) and total organic carbon (TOC) from the paddy field was decreased by WSI. Because ponding waters of the study fields were enriched with TP and TOC, WSI reduced runoff of these nutrients by controlling the volume of surface drainage. WSI could be considered an efficient method for reducing runoff loads and could conserve water quality in an agricultural watershed.

Scenario analysis for reduction of pollutant load discharged from a watershed by recycling of treated water for irrigation

A model in which a river model was layered on a distributed model (double-layered model) was developed to analyse the transport of water and pollutants (nitrogen, phosphorus, and BOD as organic matter) in watersheds and rivers. The model was applied to the watershed of Abragafuchi Lake, Japan, where serious water pollution has occurred over three decades, and the applicability of the model was demonstrated. Scenarios of recycling of sewage treated-water into agriculture to reduce pollutant load discharged into the lake were analysed. The results showed that irrigating paddy fields with the sewage-treated water could contribute to conserving water and reducing pollutant load, with reduction rate in BOD, nitrogen, and phosphorus ranging from 6%-36%, 16%-46%, and 18%-51%, respectively. Particularly, the results indicated that, irrigating paddy fields with the treated water during non-cropping periods and the accompanying reduction in withdrawn water from the river were more effective in reducing pollutant loads discharged into the lake. Further study is required on the effect of recycled water on crop cultivation and soil conditions for safe implementation.