Improved fertilizer management

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 21 views

Analysis of Urea Fertilizer Residue in Rice Field Irrigation Channels in North Binjai District with Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-VIS) Method

Introduction

The use of urea fertilizer in agriculture, particularly in rice cultivation, has become a common practice. However, the effectiveness of this fertilizer is not always guaranteed, and some of the applied fertilizer may not be absorbed by plants, resulting in the accumulation of residues in the environment. This study aims to analyze the levels of nitrogen residues in the rice field irrigation channels in North Binjai District, using the ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS) method.

Background

Urea fertilizer is a widely used nitrogen-based fertilizer in agriculture. However, the use of this fertilizer can have negative impacts on the environment and human health. The accumulation of nitrogen residues in irrigation channels can lead to an increase in water pH, harm aquatic organisms, and pollute groundwater. Additionally, high levels of nitrates in irrigation channels can flow to larger water sources, affecting water quality for irrigation and human consumption needs.

Methodology

This study employed a grab sampling method at five different points to obtain representative data. The parameters measured included ammonia (NH3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), and nitrate (NO3-N). The determination of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels was carried out using methods in accordance with SNI (Indonesian National Standards). The analysis process was conducted using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis) at specific wavelengths: 640 nm for ammonia, 543 nm for nitrite, and 410 nm for nitrates.

Results

The results of the data analysis showed that the level of nitrogen residues in the irrigation channels of rice fields at each measurement point. The ammonia levels at points I, II, III, IV, and V were 1,3599 mg/L; 0.9432 mg/L; 0.5324 mg/L; 0.1506 mg/L; and 0.0736 mg/L, respectively. The nitrite content at the same points was 0.0198 mg/L; 0.0173 mg/L; 0.0096 mg/L; 0.0062 mg/L; and 0.0007 mg/L. For nitrates, the levels at points I to V were 5,0641 mg/L; 4,6084 mg/L; 3,5684 mg/L; 2,3163 mg/L; and 1,3341 mg/L. From this data, it can be concluded that point I has a higher level of nitrogen residue compared to other points.

Analysis of the Impact of Nitrogen Residues in the Environment

The increased levels of nitrogen residues in irrigation channels can have a negative impact on ecosystems and human health. High levels of ammonia can cause an increase in water pH and have the potential to harm the life of aquatic organisms. In addition, high nitrates in irrigation channels can flow to larger water sources, which can pollute groundwater and affect water quality for irrigation and human consumption needs.

Nitrite, although in lower levels than nitrates, is also an important indicator. Nitrite can accumulate in plant tissue and interfere with the process of forming hemoglobin in human blood, which has the potential to cause serious health problems, especially in infants.

Conclusion

Through this research, it is essential to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the use of urea fertilizer and irrigation management in agricultural areas. Better management of fertilizing and supervising irrigation water quality can help reduce the accumulation of nitrogen residues and its negative impacts on the environment. This will not only increase agricultural productivity but also maintain the sustainability of ecosystems and public health. Through this approach, we can achieve a balance between agricultural needs and environmental preservation.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improved fertilizer management: Farmers should adopt better fertilizer management practices, such as using the right amount of fertilizer and applying it at the right time.
Regular water quality monitoring: Regular monitoring of water quality in irrigation channels is essential to detect any changes in nitrogen residue levels.
Irrigation management: Irrigation management practices should be improved to reduce the accumulation of nitrogen residues in irrigation channels.
Public awareness: Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate farmers and the general public about the importance of proper fertilizer management and water quality monitoring.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sampling points: The study was conducted at only five sampling points, which may not be representative of the entire irrigation channel.
Limited parameter measurement: The study only measured ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, which may not be comprehensive enough to understand the full impact of nitrogen residues on the environment.
Limited data analysis: The study only analyzed the data collected from the sampling points, which may not provide a complete picture of the nitrogen residue levels in the irrigation channel.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Expanding the sampling points: Conducting the study at more sampling points to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of nitrogen residue levels in the irrigation channel.
Measuring additional parameters: Measuring additional parameters, such as pH and dissolved oxygen levels, to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of nitrogen residues on the environment.
Analyzing data using advanced statistical methods: Analyzing the data using advanced statistical methods, such as machine learning algorithms, to identify patterns and trends in nitrogen residue levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of proper fertilizer management and water quality monitoring in reducing the accumulation of nitrogen residues in irrigation channels. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the impact of nitrogen residues on ecosystems and human health. By adopting better fertilizer management practices and improving irrigation management, we can achieve a balance between agricultural needs and environmental preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Urea Fertilizer Residue Analysis in Rice Field Irrigation Channels

Q: What is urea fertilizer residue?

A: Urea fertilizer residue refers to the leftover nitrogen-based compounds from the fertilizer that are not absorbed by plants and accumulate in the environment, particularly in irrigation channels.

Q: Why is it important to analyze urea fertilizer residue in rice field irrigation channels?

A: Analyzing urea fertilizer residue in rice field irrigation channels is crucial to understand the impact of nitrogen residues on ecosystems and human health. High levels of nitrogen residues can lead to an increase in water pH, harm aquatic organisms, and pollute groundwater.

Q: What are the common methods used to analyze urea fertilizer residue?

A: The common methods used to analyze urea fertilizer residue include ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS), gas chromatography (GC), and liquid chromatography (LC).

Q: What are the benefits of using UV-VIS method for analyzing urea fertilizer residue?

A: The UV-VIS method is a simple, cost-effective, and rapid method for analyzing urea fertilizer residue. It can detect ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in irrigation channels, providing valuable insights into the impact of nitrogen residues on the environment.

Q: What are the limitations of the UV-VIS method?

A: The UV-VIS method has several limitations, including limited sensitivity, potential interference from other compounds, and the need for specialized equipment.

Q: How can farmers reduce the accumulation of urea fertilizer residue in irrigation channels?

A: Farmers can reduce the accumulation of urea fertilizer residue in irrigation channels by adopting better fertilizer management practices, such as using the right amount of fertilizer and applying it at the right time. Regular water quality monitoring and improved irrigation management practices can also help reduce the accumulation of nitrogen residues.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with high levels of nitrogen residues in irrigation channels?

A: High levels of nitrogen residues in irrigation channels can lead to an increase in water pH, harm aquatic organisms, and pollute groundwater. Nitrite, although in lower levels than nitrates, can accumulate in plant tissue and interfere with the process of forming hemoglobin in human blood, which has the potential to cause serious health problems, especially in infants.

Q: How can the public contribute to reducing the accumulation of urea fertilizer residue in irrigation channels?

A: The public can contribute to reducing the accumulation of urea fertilizer residue in irrigation channels by supporting farmers who adopt better fertilizer management practices and promoting public awareness campaigns about the importance of proper fertilizer management and water quality monitoring.

Q: What are the future research directions for analyzing urea fertilizer residue in rice field irrigation channels?

A: Future research should focus on expanding the sampling points, measuring additional parameters, and analyzing data using advanced statistical methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of nitrogen residues on the environment.

Q: How can the findings of this study be applied in real-world scenarios?

A: The findings of this study can be applied in real-world scenarios by promoting better fertilizer management practices, improving irrigation management, and conducting regular water quality monitoring. This can help reduce the accumulation of nitrogen residues in irrigation channels, maintain the sustainability of ecosystems, and protect public health.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policymakers and regulatory agencies?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for policymakers and regulatory agencies, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on fertilizer use and water quality monitoring. Policymakers and regulatory agencies can use the findings of this study to develop policies and regulations that promote sustainable agriculture practices and protect the environment.