Effect of an Electrical Input with Drip Irrigation on Nitrate Distribution in Soil

Soluble chemicals applied to soils have been identified as major sources of surface and groundwater contamination. This research examined the application of a small dc electrical input to attract and retain nitrates in the root zone of drip irrigated barley in small lysimeter trials. Nitrate content near the anode was higher and pH lower, as desired, during a portion of the test. However, the electrical input seemed to have little effect on these conditions at other times, a result not fully understood.