Solute-water interactions

Abstract

The redistribution of solutes in the soil solution usually represents a loss of material from where it may be beneficial, harmless, or undesirable to a location where it is likely to be deleterious. The dissolved constituents may be nutrients, which when leached result in a significant reduction in soil fertility. Leaching can also lead to excessive quantities of nutrients in groundwater and surface water, degrading the quality of these resources through contamination and eutrophication. Leaching of nitrate ( ( N O 3 - ) generated in the soil, together with balancing cations, can accelerate soil acidification. Leaching of biocides, contaminants, and salts also endangers water resources and t..