Determination of Mineral Nitrogen Losses under the Action of Water Erosion Processes in Maize Growing on Sloping Terrains

One of the main reasons for the reduction of soil productivity is water erosion, and its effect is depletion of soil layer, soil moisture holding capacity, soil organic matter, and nutrient supply. The availability of mineral nitrogen is a limiting factor for the productivity of ecosystems and unlike agricultural, in natural ecosystems, nitrogen cycles run with minimal losses. The efficiency of the use of mineral fertilizers is usually low and often much higher than plants actually need, that's why much of the mineral nutrients inserted by fertilizing are lost. The need for the development of sustainable farming systems requires soil protection from the impact of degradation processes and conservation of soil functions. For this purpose, different erosion control methods, measures and technologies are created and applied. In the present study the influence of conventional and soil protection technologies in the cultivation of maize on sloping terrains on the losses of mineral nitrogen under the influence of water erosion processes, is examined.