Distribution, Movement, and Fate of Nitrate in the Surficial Aquifer Beneath Citrus Groves, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, Florida.

摘要

The purpose of this report is twofold: (1) to describe the distribution of nitrate and other constituents in ground water beneath citrus groves, and (2) to determine the fate of nitrate in the surficial aquifer system and its rate of lateral and vertical migration in ground water. Wells were installed in the surficial aquifer system and surface-water sites were established at six groves and one nonagricultural (reference) site. Water was sampled for nutrients, major ions, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved gases, and selected isotopes from the fall of 1996 through the summer of 1998. The groves were selected based on representative soil series; management practices; the age, health, and type of citrus trees; and the willingness of grove owners to cooperate with this study.