Effect of interceptor drainage on phosphorus transport and soil chemical characteristics under different cultivation conditions

Drainage is a profitable water management operation in waterlogged soils, particularly in hot, arid environments where waterlogging is caused by irrigation and salts may build up when water evaporates from the soil surface. While drainage can reduce the buildup of salts, it may cause unwanted depletion of plant nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from the soils. In this study, soil phosphorus (P), electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were determined (at depths of 0-50, 50-100, 100-150, and 150-200 cm) in longitudinal and transverse directions from an interceptor drain in cultivated and uncultivated field plots. Results showed that P content of points close to the drain was lower than points far from the drain. Deeper soil depths had lower P concentrations. The points furthest from the drain had the maximum values of P concentration due to slow movement of P in the soil and accumulation of P near the soil surface. Distance from the drain had no significant effect on SAR in both cultivated and uncultivated plots. Leaching of salts by drainage caused lower soil EC values for points near the drain. Deeper points in the soil had lower values of EC in cultivated plots. In general, the results indicated the drainage systems in arid regions resulted in decreased soil salinity and depleted soil phosphorus. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt the suitable useful management function to impressively decrease P losses when drains are installed.